There was a period of intense conflicts with the Dutch East India Company (VOC) over the trade of spices, which eventually led to the dissolution of the Sultanate in Banten and to the city's decline.

[2][1] The city of Banten was laid out in accordance with precepts imported from Java rather than mirroring local Sundanese ideas.

Banten population was engaged in common craft such as pottery making, many of these are found and kept in a site museum.

[3] The city now has been reduced to a mere village, with squatters filling empty space in between archaeological area.

Despite encouraged tourism, especially for the Great Mosque of Banten, the rest of the site received lack of proper conservation.

Well-maintained by its followers, the Great Mosque complex contains several buildings which shows a mixture of architectural style.

The mosque shows a mixture of local Javanese and Chinese influence, the lighthouse-shaped minaret shows Portuguese influence, the tiyamah building (where Islamic studies are conducted), which was built by a Dutchman who converted into Islam, features a typical Dutch colonial style with its high sash window.

[5] The Kaibon Kraton is the ruined palace and residence of Ratu Aisyah, the queen and mother of Sultan Syaifuddin.

The museum kept archaeological remnants such as ceramic vases, roof, and coins related with the historic port city of Banten.

Other important artifacts are Meriam Ki Amuk (a 2.5 meter long Ottoman cannon) and a stone pepper mill.