BROWSE BY PROVINCE

Taal, Batangas
Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine
A Sacred Treasure of Taal
Share
Tweet
Email
EXPLORE Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine

PUBLISHED April 6, 2007

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

  • Taal, Batangas
Caysasay Shrine is a cherished landmark in the heritage town of Taal, Batangas. Housing one of the oldest religious icons in the country, it stands as a symbol of deep-rooted faith and historical significance. Its architectural beauty, spiritual heritage, and vibrant life continue to inspire and uplift all who visit.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Located in the small barangay of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas, the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine stands as a beacon of faith and heritage, deeply revered by locals and visitors alike. The shrine houses an image of Our Lady of Caysasay, a miraculous representation of the Virgin Mary believed to be one of the oldest religious icons in the Philippines, depicting the Immaculate Conception.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: During mass at Caysasay Church, a warm and inviting atmosphere permeates the congregation as individuals gather in prayer. The flickering candlelight casts a gentle glow on the ornate altars, while the harmonious sounds of hymns fill the space.

ABOVE: During mass at Caysasay Church, a warm and inviting atmosphere permeates the congregation as individuals gather in prayer. The flickering candlelight casts a gentle glow on the ornate altars, while the harmonious sounds of hymns fill the space.

History and Significance

The origins of the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine date back to the 16th century. According to local legend, the image of Our Lady of Caysasay was discovered in 1603 by a man fishing in the Pansipit River. The miraculous appearance of the image quickly captured the devotion of the local community, leading to the establishment of the shrine to honor the Virgin Mary.

ABOVE: The ceiling design of Caysasay Church features intricate Baroque-style artwork, vibrant colors, and religious imagery, highlighting the craftsmanship of local artisans and reflecting the church’s rich cultural and spiritual significance.

ABOVE: The ceiling design of Caysasay Church features intricate Baroque-style artwork, vibrant colors, and religious imagery, highlighting the craftsmanship of local artisans and reflecting the church’s rich cultural and spiritual significance.

The shrine’s significance grew over the centuries, not only as a center of spiritual reflection but also as a symbol of resilience and faith for the people of Taal. In 1954, the image of Our Lady of Caysasay was canonically crowned with the title “Queen of the Archdiocese of Lipa” on December 8, further solidifying her revered status. The Our Lady of Caysasay is celebrated for her role in numerous miracles and answered prayers, making the shrine a prominent pilgrimage site. Her feast day is celebrated annually on December 8, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors who come to pay homage and seek blessings.

Architectural Beauty

The Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. Measuring about 160 feet long and 33 feet wide, the chapel features a stairwell leading to the Virgin’s room in a small sacristy behind and above the main altar. The church itself is characterized by the use of coral stones, hewn into blocks and assembled to create the structure. The initial church, constructed in 1611 by Chinese believers using light materials, was located near the river where Mary’s image was found. An arch made of coral stone with bas-reliefs representing the Virgin was also built. In 1639, a new church made entirely from coral stone was constructed under the supervision of Fr. Alonso Rodriguez, serving as a perpetual shrine for the Virgin Mary.

The shrine has faced several challenges over the centuries. The earthquake of December 1852 caused significant damage, leading to reconstruction initiated by Father Celestino Mayordomo, completed in 1856 with rebuilt twin towers and added stone fences. In 1867, another earthquake damaged the shrine, prompting repairs overseen by Father Marcos Anton. A new altar and rail made of iron were installed, and the sanctuary’s interior was decorated by the Italian Cesar Alberoni. An organ purchased in 1880 from Spanish organist Don Doroteo Otorelin, under Father Agapito Aparicio‘s supervision, further enriched the shrine. Fortunately, the earthquake of 1880 did not cause significant damage.

Inside the shrine, visitors are greeted by the majestic altar where the revered image of Our Lady of Caysasay is enshrined. The interior is adorned with beautiful murals and religious iconography, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the space.

ABOVE: The bell tower of Caysasay Church in Taal, Batangas, stands as a beloved symbol of the community’s faith and heritage. This historic Baroque structure not only adds to the church’s beauty but also rings out to call worshippers, connecting generations through its rich history and the heartfelt traditions of the people who cherish it.

ABOVE: The bell tower of Caysasay Church in Taal, Batangas, stands as a beloved symbol of the community’s faith and heritage. This historic Baroque structure not only adds to the church’s beauty but also rings out to call worshippers, connecting generations through its rich history and the heartfelt traditions of the people who cherish it.

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps

To reach the shrine from the town center and Taal Basilica, visitors need to ascend a set of 125 granite steps known as the San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps or Hagdan-hagdan. Originally constructed from adobe stones in 1850, these steps were later replaced with granite by Fr. Mayordomo. The San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps are a notable structure leading up to the shrine and play a significant role in feasts involving processions through the town. The ascent up these steps adds a profound sense of pilgrimage to the journey, embodying the spiritual and physical effort of devotion.

Sta. Lucia Wells

While exploring the Hagdan-hagdan area, visitors can also discover the Sta. Lucia Wells, a spring-fed well where two women allegedly saw the reflection image of the Virgin Mary. This event led to widespread belief in the miraculous healing powers of its waters. The coral stone arch at the site, built in the early 1600s with a bas-relief image of the Virgin, still stands today as a testament to the area’s deep spiritual significance.

RELATED STORIES

Nasugbu, Batangas: A Coastal Haven of Serenity and Adventure

The Nasugbu area has an extensive collection of beaches and snorkeling spots which make it a popular summer destination. There are numerous swimming-related activities and

Read More »

Fantasy World: From Decay to Regal Beauty

The Fantasy World theme park sits alone and quietly in Lemery, Batangas Province, and is known as the supposed Disney World as well as one

Read More »

Balayan Bay: A Coastal Gem in Batangas Province

Among the many contributions of Balayan Bay that Batanguenos are proud of, the bay served as a fishing village and a summer retreat for locals

Read More »
Sigpawan festival

Sigpawan Festival: Lemery’s Vibrant Easter Celebration of Bounty and Culture

Each year, the Sigpawan Festival, which is held in Lemery, Batangas, takes place on Easter Sunday. The highlight of the festival is the Fluvial procession

Read More »
Pilgrimage and Festivals

Each year, thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine, especially during the feast day of Our Lady of Caysasay, which is celebrated with great fervor. The festival, known as the “Festa ng Mahal na Ina ng Caysasay,” includes a series of religious processions, traditional dances, and cultural events. This annual celebration draws not only local devotees but also visitors from various parts of the Philippines, all coming together to pay homage and seek blessings.

ABOVE: A teenage boy leans against the brick wall of Caysasay Church, while the beautifully crafted stained glass window above him showcases the church’s rich historical ambiance, creating a striking contrast between his youthful presence and the artistry of the structure.

ABOVE: A teenage boy leans against the brick wall of Caysasay Church, while the beautifully crafted stained glass window above him showcases the church’s rich historical ambiance, creating a striking contrast between his youthful presence and the artistry of the structure.

The shrine also serves as a cultural hub, hosting various community events and activities that celebrate the rich heritage of Taal. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith and cultural richness of the region.

A Spiritual Haven

For many, the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine is more than just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary of peace and spiritual solace. The tranquil surroundings and the profound sense of history and devotion make it an ideal destination for those seeking reflection and connection with their faith.

I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.

BROWSE BY REGION
  • MANILA
  • abra
  • BATAAN
  • batangas
  • Benguet
  • bulacan
  • cagayan
  • cavite
  • cebu
  • Guimaras
  • Iloilo
  • Isabela
  • laguna
  • Pampanga
  • pangasinan
  • QUEZON
  • rizal
  • Samar
  • Tarlac
  • zambales
  • mindanao

EXPLORE MORE about

Batangas

Fantasy World: From Decay to Regal Beauty

The Fantasy World theme park sits alone and quietly in Lemery, Batangas Province, and is known as the supposed Disney World as well as one

Read More »

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape: A Wild Beauty Just a Breath Away from Manila

Let’s be real—when you think of volcanoes, you probably imagine something massive and far-flung, right? But here in the Philippines, just 50-ish kilometers from Metro

Read More »

Tanauan Church: Triumph of Faith in the Midst of Challenges

It was once a stone church, that was built during the Spanish colonial era in Tanauan, Batangas, and was known as Tanauan Church or St

Read More »
Sigpawan festival

Sigpawan Festival: Lemery’s Vibrant Easter Celebration of Bounty and Culture

Each year, the Sigpawan Festival, which is held in Lemery, Batangas, takes place on Easter Sunday. The highlight of the festival is the Fluvial procession

Read More »

Taal Lake: Unraveling the Mysterious Charm and Enduring Beauty

It is known as Taal Lake, formerly Bombón Lake, and is a freshwater lake in the province of Batangas. It fills the Taal Caldera, a

Read More »

Nasugbu, Batangas: A Coastal Haven of Serenity and Adventure

The Nasugbu area has an extensive collection of beaches and snorkeling spots which make it a popular summer destination. There are numerous swimming-related activities and

Read More »

Balayan Bay: A Coastal Gem in Batangas Province

Among the many contributions of Balayan Bay that Batanguenos are proud of, the bay served as a fishing village and a summer retreat for locals

Read More »
Taal Basilica

Taal Basilica: Asia’s Largest Catholic Church and Historical Marvel in Batangas

This Minor Basilica is canonically known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours and is located in the town of Taal, Batangas, within

Read More »

Tingloy Island: Beaches, Peaks, and Underwater Wonders

The Municipality of Tingloy Island got its name a little bit from a legend. Due to its location in Batangas, Philippines, it is almost named

Read More »

Calaca Church: Nurturing Faith and Legacy of St. Raphael the Archangel in Batangas

It is with Raphael the Archangel that the 184-year-old Spanish Colonial era church in Batangas gets its name. The Calaca Church is more commonly known

Read More »

BROWSE BY CATEGORIES

LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

Abra

Bataan

Batangas

Benguet

Bulacan

Cagayan

Cavite

Cebu

Guimaras

Iloilo

Isabela

Laguna

Manila

Mindanao

Nueva Viscaya

Pampanga

Pangasinan

Quezon

Rizal

Samar

Tarlac

Zambales

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

Andres Bonifacio Birthplace Monument

Bonifacio Monumento

Capones Lighthouse

Casa Manila

Corregidor Island

Cultural Center of the Philippines

Fantasy World

Gabriela Silang Memorial Shrine

Gomburza National Monument

Hondagua

Iloilo Customs House

Intramuros

Jones Bridge

La Loma Cemetery

Liwasang Bonifacio

Luneta Hotel

Malagonlong Bridge

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Manila Post Office

The National Museum of Fine Arts

National Museum of Natural History

Padre Blanco Gardens

Pinto Art Museum

Plaza Miranda

Quezon Memorial Circle

Rizal Park

San Agustin Museum

Santa Cruz

Subic Lighthouse

The Iconic Manila City Hall

The Lighthouse Marina Resort

The National Museum of Anthropology

The Philippine International Convention Center

Tutuban Center

University of Santo Tomas

University of the Philippines Diliman

Venice Grand Canal

Zapote Bridge

CHURCHES
FAITH

Barasoain Church

Binondo Church

Calaca Church

Calumpit Church

Feast of La Naval de Manila

Lingayen Cathedral

Malate Church

Manila Abbey

Manila Cathedral

Meycauayan Church

Morong Church

Mount Carmel Shrine

Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine

Padre Pio Chapel

Polo Church

San Agustin Church

San Sebastian Church

Santuario del Sto. Cristo Church

Simborio Chapel

Taal Basilica

Taguig Simborio

Tanauan Church

Feast of the Black Nazarene

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

Alligator Lake

Ambuklao Dam

Avilon Zoo

Balayan Bay

Baluarte de San Diego

Binondo Chinatown

Callao Cave

Camara Island

Capones Island

Carriedo Fountain

CCLEX Beyond the Bridge

Chong Hock Tong Temple

Enchanted Kingdom

Fort San Pedro

Guadalupe Church Ruins

Gunao Lake

Intramuros Golf Club

Kabayan, Benguet

La Mesa Ecopark

Lamon Bay

Lingayen Beach

Lucban Church

Lucban Longganisa

Magat River

Manila Bay

The Manila Golden Mosque

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Zoo

March with the Senturyons

Mines View Park

Moriones Festival

Mount Malasimbo

Mount Pulag

Mount Samat National Shrine

Nasugbu, Batangas

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Osmeña Peak

Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at Fort Santiago

Pabasa ng Pasyon

Paco Park

Pamatawan River

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Plaza Rajah Sulayman

Pulong Pasig

Pundaquit and San Miguel

Quezon Bridge

Quezon Zigzag Road

Quiapo Church

San Juan – Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine

San Narciso Beach

San Narciso Port

Santa Ana de Taguig Church

Santa Cruz Church

Seng Guan Temple

Siain Port

Siglo Modern Filipino

Sirena ng Atimonan

St. Joseph Church and the World-Famous Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

Star City, Pasay

Subic Bay

Subic Spanish Gate

Taal Lake

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape

Tagaytay City

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

The UP Oblation

Tingloy Island

Tondol Beach

UST Santísimo Rosario Parish

Zamboanga City Hall

Zoobic Safari

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS

Ana Kalang Festival

Antipolo Church

Balacat Festival

Balitok Ti Alicia Festival

Bañamos Festival

Bato Art Festival

Boling-Boling Festival

Buhayani Festival

Burdang Lumban Festival

Candle Festival

Dinagyang Festival

Embracing the Vibrant Timpuyog Festival

Guilingan Festival

Halamanan Festival

Hambujan Festival

Inaul Festival

Itik Festival

Kalivungan Festival

Kesong Puti Festival

Laguna Lake

Lucban Pahiyas Festival

Manaragat Festival

Manggahan Festival

Meguyaya Festival

Panagbenga Festival

Pawikan Festival

Pinya Festival

Sagayan Festival

Sakuting Festival

Sambalilo Festival

Sambuokan Festival

Sigpawan Festival

Sinulog Festival

Tayo na sa Antipolo Maytime Festival

The Vibrant Street Dance of Lucban Pahiyas Festival

Three Kings Festival

Turumba Festival

Facebook Twitter Instagram Envelope

All photographs that appear on the site are copyright of Mariano Sayno ©2022 Beauty of the philippines

All photographs that appear on the site are copyright of Mariano Sayno ©2022 Beauty of the philippines.com

Beauty of the philipipnes LOGO WHITE

BROWSE BY PROVINCE

Abra

Bataan

Batangas

Benguet

Bulacan

Cagayan

corregidor-island

Cavite

Cebu

Guimaras

dinagyang aliwan friesta husayno mariano sayno

Iloilo

Isabela

Laguna

Manila Bay by Mariano Sayno

Manila

Mindanao

Magat River Dupax Del Norte

Nueva Viscaya

Pampanga

Lingayen Cathedral

Pangasinan

Quezon

Rizal

Samar

Tarlac

Zambales

Caysasay Shrine Temporary Chapel, Taal, Batangas, Philippines