The Casa San Martin And The Belfry Tower
Beside the Basilica of Saint Martin Of Tours is a two story building known as the Casa San Martin. I’m not sure but it seems like this building serves as the parochial house for the priest. It also features a small museum that visitors can roam around for free.
The Casa San Martin’s old arch stone corridor. The upper floor has capiz panels that reminds me of the Sta Cruz Convent Museum in Tanza Cavite.
This “calesa” in front of the Casa is definitely a perfect photo opportunity Before exploring the museum which is situated on the second floor, we decided to roam around first. You’ll find the Adoration chapel if you go straight ahead.You’ll also find this small aviary and pond outside.
Not sure about this one but this cylindrical tower is connected to the church. Entering the Small museum
I Can’t help but to notice this huge and gold chandelier. As you enter the building, you will be welcomed by some interesting artefacts including these old church bells, andas, candle holders and more.
Ancient tools for cooking (I think these tools are used for grinding and extracting)
Old Saint Statues Our Lady of Caysasay image
They feature an old house set up in this musuem showcasing some old and antique furniture Dining table and chairs
Old Living room wooden furniture Old cabinet and jars
Check out this old steel framed mirror Brass
Dining Hall of the priest and other church personnel Some China wares
Capiz panel windows! Old Charcoal iron and lamp
Event or function hall A couple of old piano set
You will also find a huge fish pond between the museum and the priest residence. Goldfishes
On the further left side of the building, you’ll find stone stairs that will take you to the church’s indoor balcony. In order to explore this part, you have to pay Php50 per head which also gives you the opportunity to explore and climb the Belfry tower. These portion only has natural lighting system coming from the stained glass windows.
The view of the church from the balcony
Hand painted murals in walls and ceiling
An old piano and tv set The entrance to the belfry
The atmosphere inside the belfry tower is quite creepy and you can even hear bats everywhere. In order to reach the rooftop, you have to climb this very narrow spiral stone stairs. We are almost at the top but mom started to freak out after hearing some bats. She insisted me to go back and so I had no choice. Too bad I didn’t get a chance to see the stunning view from the top of the belfry but I gathered some pictures online to give you the idea on how it looks like. Photo Credits to Yrec Mistal
Automated bell chiming system (Photo credits to Yrec Mistal) The Taal town (Photo Credits to Yrec Mistal)
So inviting and really love the view from the top though it iwas unfortunate you were not able to reach it. Bats can be a nuisance, ha,ha,ha! I do adore old houses and I saw some Chinese inspired adornment at the hall. It was a good idea to purchase black monoblocks rather than other colours so as to compliment the wooden floor and the old aged look of the hall. I will revisit your post if ever I get to visit the country again.
thanks Sir Jonathan
I like the old stone arch corridor, and the “calesa” painted with striking color is just so brilliantly placed there, I like it..
love all those antiques being kept in the little museum, all are so well kept and I guess the younger generations may not have seen one!! the museum isn’t that small indeed with all these precious artifacts huh?? 🙂
oh, that small and dark and narrow passage up to the top is a little scary huh?? I wonder why it is not lit up?? else you and your mom would be able to enjoy the beautiful view on the top..
it is really creepy indeed but the view from the belfry is really stunning
Waah! grabe sobrang ganda ng loob ng church 🙂
Yung sa museum, ang creepy nung mga lumang items >.<
thanks parekoy.. yup astig talaga yung interior nung church.. feeling ko nasa ibang bansa ako LOL
I remember when I was a kid I used to frequent our Church and together with my peer, we playfully climbing up the belfry and took a clearn view of the town’s plaza.
thanks for dropping by Sir Gil
Is it a little dimmed in there? I find it a little eerie looking through the pictures this time. Unlike your previous posts where I find them really beautiful and captivating, this time it is a little creepy. Maybe it’s the staircase.. Heh.
so true.. find the atmosphere quite creepy here
I always have a penchant for these things – historical finds and architecture. Looking forward to visit Taal town soon!
thanks Renz
Aw, i love historical pieces and those pianos really catched me. If i have the opportunity, if i have the opportunity to play them , i would, and would record on them!
gumagana pa ba sila?
I think so steve… mukhang nagana pa yung mga piano
The top view looks so wonderful than normal picture-taking at the normal level. Never been here and lovely place to explore.
thanks Sir Fernando
you have a very good eye on photography
Yay… thanks Small Kucing
This place must be really old, just look at the old bricks. The view is indeed very stunning! I don’t know whether I dare to climb up the old narrow stairs or not to see the beautiful view.
yup beautiful indeed
I would believe this historical place was in Europe if you didn;t mention Philippines. It reminds me of the ancient Hampton Court Palace in London as they have some resemblance on the walls and steps.
Oh I must check those places online to compare… it was such a great experience exploring this small museum