Iglesia de La Balbanera

Iglesia de La Balbanera is a religious building in Colta with thick adobe walls painted white and a double-arched entrance supported by four columns in classical style. Inside, capuli wood beams frame the space where gatherings and services take place.

This sanctuary was inaugurated in 1534 by Sebastian de Benalcazar and stands as the first Catholic temple built in Ecuador during Spanish colonial rule. Its founding marks the beginning of organized religious presence in the region during that period.

The facade blends Spanish Baroque with indigenous artistic traditions, with stone carvings reflecting local pottery forms and traditional shigra bag patterns seen in daily use. This mixture shows how two cultures shaped the building through their craftsmanship.

The space accommodates around 200 visitors and welcomes guests throughout the week for viewing and quiet reflection. It helps to check ahead about service times if you want to experience the place during worship.

This structure withstood the devastating 1797 earthquake that destroyed nearby Riobamba, retaining much of its original construction. This resilience against natural forces is noteworthy for a building made of adobe brick.