Cultural visit>Restoration

Restoration

On the night of July 18 to 19, 1936, an arson attack during the early days of the Civil War reduced much of the temple to ashes. The flames spread rapidly, fueled by the wooden structure of the roof, turning the interior into an oven that burned for days. The fire destroyed the main altarpiece, the images, the parish archives, and an essential part of the pictorial decoration created by Antonio Palomino. The mural paintings, altered by the heat, smoke, and the water used to extinguish the fire, were left practically unrecognizable.

Santos Juanes: restoring the memory of art

During the following decades, several restoration attempts took place, especially in the 1960s, when the frescoes were moved to Barcelona for treatment. However, the techniques used at that time—which included overpainting and unsuitable adhesives—did not restore the original splendor to the works and, over time, caused further alterations. Although the temple returned to worship, it remained for years with its great vault damaged and the stuccos blackened, a silent witness to the disaster.

Hortensia Herrero Foundation and UPV: a joint effort

Almost a century later, thanks to the impetus of the Hortensia Herrero Foundation, the restoration of Santos Juanes has been made possible after decades of accumulated deterioration. The pictorial work has been directed by the Heritage Restoration University Institute of the UPV, responsible for recovering the frescoes using pioneering techniques such as bioremediation with natural bacteria.

Added to this effort is the Carlos Campos Architecture Studio, in charge of the architectural restoration of the temple, restoring stability, spatial coherence, and the original appearance of its structures. Together, they have made possible a result that is respectful and faithful to the spirit of the monument.

The light of the recovered Baroque

At the same time, the stuccos and gilding of the pilasters and moldings regained their original shine. The gilders worked with gold leaf and natural pigments, restoring the light and visual richness that the fire had erased.

The greatest challenge was the vault of the apse, whose painting had completely disappeared. Thanks to photographs and descriptions, it was recreated using video mapping that restores the lost scene without altering the heritage. This innovative solution—an example of respectful conservation—allows visitors today to contemplate the complete vision of Palomino’s decorative program.

Rising from the ashes

Thanks to this restoration, Santos Juanes has recovered not only its artistic beauty but also its role as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the heart of Valencia. The vault shines once again like a golden sky, a symbol of faith, glory, and hope. After nearly eight centuries of history, the temple remains a testament to the ability to be reborn from fire and the power of art to illuminate the present.

The reconstruction
of a legacy

The recovery of the Royal Parish of Santos Juanes was a comprehensive process developed by the Heritage Restoration University Institute of the Universitat Politècnica de València, together with the Carlos Campos Architecture Studio as the lead for the architectural intervention, and with the patronage of the Hortensia Herrero Foundation. Its objective was to return the temple to its original Baroque appearance, combining traditional methods and advanced technology.

01.

Biocleaning with natural bacteria and carbon fiber.

02.

Recovery of gilding and stucco with traditional techniques.

03.

Audiovisual intervention that revives the lost painting of the apse.

Experience the art that tells the story of Santos Juanes

Immerse yourself in eight centuries of art, history, and spirituality. Visit the Royal Parish of Santos Juanes and see up close its Gothic architecture, Palomino’s Baroque splendour, and the restoration that has brought the church back to life. Walk through the spaces where time, faith, and beauty meet. Santos Juanes awaits you to relive the soul of Valencia.

Visit the Royal Parish of Santos Juanes

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