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San Dionisio Church Ruins: Echoes of Guam's Spanish Past

Explore the historic San Dionisio Church Ruins in Umatac, Guam, a window into the island's Spanish colonial past and cultural heritage.

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The San Dionisio Church Ruins in Umatac, Guam, stand as a testament to the island's Spanish colonial history. Built in 1862, the church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1892, leaving behind remnants of coral stone and lime mortar construction. These ruins offer a glimpse into Guam's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of Spanish influence.

A brief summary to San Dionision Church Ruins

  • 7MX7+HC2, 2, Umatac, GU

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the ruins can be uneven.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the historical significance of the site.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited in the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The San Dionisio Church Ruins are located in Umatac, along Route 2. From the Umatac Mayor's Office, walk north along Route 2. The ruins are located a short walk away, marked by a plaque.

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus terminal in Hagåtña, take the bus heading towards Umatac. This route typically runs six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Inform the driver that you are heading to San Dionisio Church Ruins. Once you arrive in Umatac, disembark at the bus stop closest to the church. The ruins will be a short walk from the bus stop, approximately 5-10 minutes. Follow local signs to guide you to the site. Bus fare is $1.00 per ride.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from major shopping centers and hotels. The standard flag rate is $2.40, $4.00 for the first mile, and $0.80 every ¼ mile thereafter. A taxi from Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport to Umatac is approximately 25.3 miles and takes about 53 minutes. Expect to pay around $60 - $70.

Unlock the Best of San Dionision Church Ruins

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Discover more about San Dionision Church Ruins

Located in the village of Umatac, the San Dionisio Church Ruins provide a window into Guam's Spanish past. The church, believed to be the third Catholic church built on Guam, was constructed in 1862 by locals and Spanish soldiers for Jesuit missionaries. Built of manposteria (coral stone mixed with lime mortar), the ruins include surviving buttresses that rise to 13 feet. The first San Dionisio Church was constructed in 1681 but was rebuilt after a fire three years later. This earlier church was destroyed in 1849 by an earthquake, and portions of it may have been used in the construction of the 1862 building. The ruins are the only surviving remnant of the Spanish colonial headquarters complex that once stood in this area. A new church was built in 1939 and still stands today. The ruins were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Umatac itself is a village steeped in history, believed to be the site where Ferdinand Magellan first landed on Guam in 1521. The village also features other historical sites, including Spanish forts and the Umatac Bridge.

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