In the province of Tayabas, Quezon, one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines is located: the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the entire province.
Where faith meets monumental design
Built in 1585, the basilica is renowned for having the longest aisle in the Philippines, measuring 103 meters (338 feet), constructed during the Spanish colonial era.
The church sits on a small hill and occupies approximately 2,900 square meters, with a length of around 103 meters and a width of 53 meters. It is oriented along a northwest-southeast axis, with the main entrance located on the southeast side. The structure follows a rectangular floor plan and is distinguished by a single expansive nave, recognized as the longest church nave in the Philippines. At the northwest end, the altar features three Rococo-style retablos, each positioned in an apse. Meanwhile, the convent and its open areas span roughly 1,900 square meters, measuring approximately 65 meters by 30 meters.
The humble beginnings
In its facade, the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is strikingly beautiful, attracting many tourists eager to see its unique design. However, before it gained fame, the church was originally constructed with soft materials—a single-nave camarin-type (or shed-type) structure made of bamboo, anahaw, and nipa—built by the Franciscans in 1585. Renovations followed in 1590 under the supervision of St. Pedro Bautista, inspired by the design of St. Michael the Archangel. By 1600, the church was rebuilt in stone. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1743 and subsequently reconstructed in 1745.
Today, the basilica stands as the largest church in Quezon province and the second-largest in the Philippines, as well as one of the country’s oldest religious structures. Its distinctive floor plan resembles a key, earning it the local name Susi ng Tayabas, or the “Key of Tayabas.” This unique shape resulted from expansions completed in 1855, including the transformation of the triangular pediment of the facade into a curvilinear form and the addition of the crucero, also known as transepts. Due to its scale and architectural elegance, the church has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful in the Philippines.
A timeless masterpiece
Built over 400 years ago, the basilica has undergone numerous reconstructions and renovations throughout its long history. The first structure was erected in 1585 by Franciscan missionaries using indigenous materials such as bamboo, anahaw, and nipa. In 1590, Saint Juan Bautista oversaw its reconstruction, followed by a brick reconstruction in 1600. After being damaged by the earthquake of 1743, the church was repaired and later expanded in 1856 with the addition of a transept and a cupola. An 18th-century clock, installed on the side of the belfry and chiming every 30 minutes, further distinguishes the church and is believed to be the only one of its kind in the Philippines.
Because of its long history of construction and expansion, the basilica now features unique artistic and mechanical elements. One of these is the beautifully rendered trompe-l’oeil paintings in its interior, covering the ceilings and the walls of the crucero. These artworks depict religious imagery and decorative patterns designed to appear three-dimensional despite being painted on flat surfaces. Another remarkable feature is the astronomical clock installed in the adjoining bell tower in 1818, considered unique in the Philippines.
National recognition
The Church of St. Michael the Archangel was proclaimed a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1978. On July 31, 2001, the National Museum of the Philippines declared the Tayabas Basilica a National Cultural Treasure, recognizing it alongside 25 other churches across the country.
Preserving a legacy
Today, the basilica is well-preserved thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Tayabas local government and the diocesan parish to safeguard this historic structure. As a national cultural treasure, it has undergone restoration and continues to receive regular maintenance. Ongoing initiatives, in partnership with various stakeholders and national cultural agencies, aim to ensure that the basilica remains protected for future generations to admire and appreciate.
References
Dora’s Diary. (2017, October 8). A National Cultural Heritage – Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. Church55. https://church55.wordpress.com/2017/10/08/a-national-cultural-heritage-minor-basilica-of-st-michael-the-archangel/
National Museum of the Philippines. (2022, May 12). Built heritage tradition of the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Tayabas City, Quezon Province. https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2022/05/12/built-heritage-tradition-of-the-minor-basilica-of-st-michael-the-archangel-in-tayabas-city-quezon-province/
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