Michael's Hidden Church

The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Tayabas, Quezon. It is the largest Catholic church in the Province of Quezon.It is renowned for having the shape of a key. Locals often refer to the church as Susi ng Tayabas.

Before finally going home to Manila, we went to this hidden gem of a church adjacent to the town plaza. It's facade was old and crumbling as a result of decades of erosion, degradation and probably some lack of attention. However, the interior did not disappoint. Though some parts of the walls were crumbling and some of the paint has faded, one can still see the grandeur that the Basilica possesses. Colorful motifs and intricate trompe l'oeil murals line the ceilings while ominous black chandeliers hang from above. The marble flooring has lots its shine as hundreds before me have trampled over its age-old gloss.  

The Basilica of St. Michael Archangel definitely needs lots of restorative work. Especially with the paint work and the facade. Nevertheless, it still holds its sense of grandeur and a probably a colorful history to which, unfortunately, I am unaware of. It's still a really cool place to check out when you're in the area.  


P.S. Please don't mind the URL. My brother (a real jerk, mind you) saved it with the title of Whoring in the Basilica. So yeah, it stayed that way. Don't mind it. Please understand. LOL