Hidden treasure in Barangay Banza
Beside the peaceful Agusan River in Barangay Banza Butuan City is a hauntingly beautiful site where time seems to pause. The Banza Church Ruins are the oldest known stone church ruins in Mindanao, a spot where faith, history and nature all meet in quiet reverence. With centuries-old walls now embraced by a giant balete tree this place tells stories only silence can explain.
A church built in the 1500s
The first Catholic church in Mindanao was blessed by Jesuit missionary Fr Valerio de Ledesma on September 8, 1597. Built by the Recollect missionaries it once stood tall and proud as the center of spiritual life in the area.
But in 1753 Moro pirates burned it to the ground. Though it was rebuilt the pueblo or town center was eventually moved to Baug now Magallanes in 1865 leaving the church behind to fade into legend.
Best time to experience it
Plan your visit during the dry months from December to April when the weather is best for walking and sightseeing. For an extra dose of culture come in May during the Balangay Festival when Butuan celebrates its seafaring roots with parades and performances. It’s a great time to explore the city and see how its rich history continues to thrive.
How To Get There?
Location: Barangay Banza Butuan City
By Car: Navigate Banza Church Ruins via Waze or GoogleMap
By Commute: From Butuan City proper, ride a jeepney to Banza and get off near the riverside take a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Banza Church Ruins.
What makes Banza Church Ruins special is not just its age or the twisted roots of the balete that now guard its bell tower. It’s the way the site makes you feel. Peaceful quiet sacred. It is one of those rare places where the past is still present where every crack in the wall has a story to tell. If you find yourself in Butuan this is one stop you should not miss.
