Pata Church ruins, 16th-century Dominican church ruins in Sanchez Mira, Philippines.
Pata Church ruins are the remains of a 16th-century religious building near the Pata River, with stone walls partially covered by overgrowth. The structure stands in Sitio Nagsimbaanan, still showing sections of its original colonial-era construction.
This church was founded in 1595 and stands as the first religious building in Cagayan Valley, built by Dominican missionaries. The early shrine played a central role in establishing Christianity throughout the region.
This site marks where indigenous leaders and their communities first encountered Christian practices, making it a significant location in the region's spiritual transformation. The ruins reflect how new beliefs gradually became part of local life and identity.
The site lies between Sanchez Mira and Claveria and can be tricky to reach, especially after rain when pathways turn muddy. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and seek local guidance to navigate to this remote location safely.
A large church bell once reportedly affected the health of pregnant women, prompting locals to remove it from the site. The bell eventually vanished into the Namuac River and remains part of local storytelling today.
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