Old Palapye Church: A Window to Botswana's Past

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Discover the historical ruins of Old Palapye Church, a testament to Botswana's rich cultural and religious heritage.

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Old Palapye church

Explore the evocative ruins of the Old Palapye Church, a 19th-century London Missionary Society church built from red mudbrick. Once part of a bustling capital under Chief Khama III, the site offers a glimpse into Botswana's rich cultural and religious history.

A brief summary to Old Palapye church

973V+Q3G, Palapye, BW

Local tips

Engage with locals to hear stories about the church's significance and the history of Old Palapye.
Visit early in the morning for a quiet experience and optimal lighting for photography.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Tswapong Hills for hiking and scenic views.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Palapye town, the Old Palapye Church is approximately 20km away. A taxi ride is the most convenient way to reach the site. Taxis are readily available in Palapye. A 20km taxi ride will cost approximately 606 BWP. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Driving

If driving from Palapye, take the A1 towards the north. After approximately 10km, turn east onto a smaller road leading towards Malaka village. Follow the signs to Old Palapye. The church is located near Malaka village. Note that parking is available near the site. There are no toll roads on this route.

Discover more about Old Palapye church

The Old Palapye Church stands as a striking reminder of a transformative period in Botswana's history. Constructed between 1891 and 1894 by the London Missionary Society (LMS), the Gothic-style church was a central feature of Phalatswe (Old Palapye), the 19th-century capital of the Bangwato people under the leadership of Chief Khama III.Khama III moved his people to Phalatswe in 1889 due to water shortages in Shoshong, transforming the area into a settlement of approximately 30,000 people, including European missionaries and hunters. The church, built from locally quarried red mudbrick, symbolized the intersection of European and Batswana cultures.However, the capital's prosperity was short-lived. Thirteen years later, due to dwindling water supplies, the Bangwato people relocated to Serowe. Before leaving, Khama III ordered the dismantling and torching of the settlement, though the church was spared. In 1938, the site was declared a National Monument, ensuring its protection. Today, the remaining burnt-brick structure offers a powerful glimpse into Botswana's first agro-towns and the interactions between the Batswana and European missionaries.