The origins of the Parish date back to the 13th century, built upon the remains of an ancient mosque outside the city walls in the Boatella district. Over the centuries, fires, reconstructions, and transformations led the temple to evolve from its Gothic typology to its current Baroque appearance.
13th Century
The origins of the Parish date back to the 13th century, when, after the conquest by Jaume I, the new temple was erected upon the remains of an ancient mosque outside the city walls, in the Boatella district. This first building marked the beginning of Christian life in the area and the birth of one of Valencia’s oldest parishes.
14th – 17th Centuries
Over the centuries, fires, reconstructions, and transformations modified the original temple, which evolved from its Gothic typology to its current Baroque appearance. Each stage left its mark on its architecture and decoration, reflecting the artistic and spiritual evolution of the city.
1693 – 1702
Between 1693 and 1702, the major renovation was carried out, giving the temple its definitive appearance. The Baroque decorative program, full of symbolism and majesty, completed the image we recognize today, transforming Santos Juanes into a jewel of Valencian art.
July 1936
The fire of July 1936 represented an irreparable loss: the paintings of the apse, the frescoes, and the altarpieces were destroyed, leaving a deep mark on the memory of the building and the city. Even so, the temple remained standing, as a testament to resistance and faith.
1947
In 1947, Santos Juanes was declared a National Historic Artistic Monument, in recognition of its heritage value and its relevance within Valencia’s monumental complex.
Today
After a major restoration, the temple is reborn as a symbol of resilience. Every stone, vault, and restored fresco speaks to us of Valencia’s living history, of its capacity to rebuild and reinvent itself. Santos Juanes shines again as a meeting place between the earthly and the divine, where art and faith coexist in harmony.
