The Basilica circa 1900.The Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the Batangas Province and no doubt many old churches here are dedicated to her and one of them is the Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception and the Holy Child in Batangas City.
The first edifice was constructed in 1581 by Father Diego Mojica made of light materials. The church was located next to Calumpang River and a facade that faces north and a convent adjacent to it. In 1601 a stone church replaced to old one from which it later was improve in 1682-1721, artillery placements in the convent was later added as a defense against Moro raids. The church lasted for 179 years until 1851, due to the increasing population of the community, was torn down to gave way for the present one. Fr. Pedro Cuesta, the parish priest undertook the construction of the church, the interior was later painted in the style known as "Trompe l’oeil", a style popular among Augustinian Churches. Its altar was a pyramidal structure with a wooden canopy and large niche to house the image of Immaculate Conception. It was later renovated from what it looks up to now.Then lastly in February of 1948 the church was granted the title as "Minor Basilica", the first in the province.
This Basilica is one true beauty that seems to be lock in time due to its splendid interior whom very few churches had maintained. For me this is one of the best churches here in Batangas.
The Altar with the its silver trappings, note the wooden altar rail, circa 1900.
The Nave at present.
Photo courtesy to Junsjazz via Flickr
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