St. Michael the Archangel (courtesy of Wikimedia)
in Cultural and Heritage Sites, Philippines

Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel – Tayabas City

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St. Michael the Archangel Minor Basilica

Located in Tayabas City, the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is the biggest Roman Catholic Church in the entire Province of Quezon. Tourists who visit Tayabas, whether secular or Catholic, come to see this uniquely designed Basilica, constructed during the Spanish colonial era.

St. Michael the Archangel (courtesy of Wikimedia)

St. Michael the Archangel (courtesy of Wikimedia)

Built in the year 1585, the church is famous for its longest aisle and huge century-old church bells.

The local people in Tayabas called it the Susi ng Tayabas because of its key-shaped blueprint. Like most old structures in the region, the church was originally built from soft, indigenous materials.

However, in 1590, the church underwent renovations supervised by St. Pedro Bautista and designed after St. Michael the Archangel.

Facade of St. Michael The Archangel Minor Basilica
The facade of St. Michael The Archangel Minor Basilica

Later, in 1600, the church was rebuilt again, this time in brick. Unfortunately, in 1743, a major earthquake destroyed the church. Over the years, the Basilica was repaired several more times, added to, and transformed.

Despite its history, it remains one of the most captivating Catholic churches in the Philippines. In 1988, Pope John Paul III conferred the title of Minor Basilica, which would be proclaimed at the beginning of 1989.

Franciscan Seal - This a symbol of Francican frays who lead the parish on the hispanic era. Thi symbolizes the unity of Christ and San Francisco de Asis. The seal can be found in wall of the basilica fronting the alitao river.
Franciscan Seal – This a symbol of Franciscan frays who lead the parish on the Hispanic era. This symbolizes the unity of Christ and San Francisco de Asis. The seal can be found in the wall of the basilica fronting the Alitao River.

This Basilica is most famous for its key-shaped architecture and, of course, for the Church clock on the belfry, thought to be one of, if not the, oldest in all of Asia.

This clock was installed during the 18th century and is half a meter high and 42 centimeters wide. The long hand on the clock measures a half meter, while the short hand measures 62 centimeters.

Inside the Basilica
Inside the Basilica
Giant Church Bell
Giant Church Bell

The clock tolls a giant bell, marking the time every hour and a half. In 1971, parishioners, along with Monsignor Gregorio Salvatus, who were all concerned about the ill repair of the clock, took on a project to rehabilitate the age-old clock.

Circa 1966 Photo of Tayabas Church
Circa 1966 Photo of Tayabas Church
Minor Basilica of St. Michael Archangel in Tayabas
Minor Basilica of St. Michael Archangel in Tayabas

While there have been many changes over the years, there are still many portions of the original church that can be seen.

Catholics lead pilgrimages to this Basilica year after year, and many believe it is the most amazing Catholic Church they have ever seen, with good reason.

Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Tayabas
Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Tayabas

No matter your religious background, this stunning, historic Church is a wonderful place to visit while in Quezon.

A walking tour through the Basilica and the gorgeous grounds can be a very reverent experience, especially for devout Catholics from different parts of the country.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Tayabas City? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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