Taal Basilica restoration

The Trompe l'oeil ceiling

For decades Taal Basilica's interior has been painted only in whites and blues . The last restoration project was done back in 1972 as part of the preparation for the town's quad centennial celebration. Originally I fought I was a joke of Msgr. Madlangbayan about his idea of repainting again the interior. Its was until in the last quarter of 2010 that the restoration project was started. According to several sources Msgr. Madlangbayan consulted the National Historical Institute for the restoration.

The nave looking from the Altar

The first part was nave with restoration of its trompe l'oeil ceiling, in order to maintain the features the workers copied the details from the apse of the church. A total of five sections were restored back to its original setting. The restoration of the nave also includes the walls and the pulpit.

The restored pulpit

The pulpit was repainted and gold leaf gilding was added, so too its side altars in the transept, the addition of gold leaf gilding brought back life to the old altar.

The facade with newly restored bell tower

The original setting also of the bell tower of the Basilica was also brought back. The original belfry was destroyed back in 1942 by an earthquake. The new bell tower was constructed sometime in the 1990's which became the talk of the town because of its milk bottle like shape. Lately it was decided to restore it back and probably carillon bells will be added later.