Church of Santos Juanes
A historic Catholic church in Valencia, featuring a unique bell tower and undergoing significant restoration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Church of Santos Juanes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Catholic church in Valencia, featuring a unique bell tower and undergoing significant restoration.
"Worth visiting for its Communion Chapel and reconstructed fresco, especially with a combo ticket."
⏳ Check Restoration Status
Much of the church is under renovation. Check for updates to know what's visible before you go.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
A combo ticket often includes this church, Silk Museum, and St. Nicholas. Great value!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Communion Chapel
Interior
A highlight even during restoration, this chapel showcases the church's intricate artistry and spiritual significance.
Fresco Reconstruction
Ceiling
Witness a unique blend of history and art with a reconstructed fresco, a testament to the church's resilience.
Exterior Architecture
Exterior
Admire the impressive craftsmanship and artwork of the church's exterior, a beautiful example of historical architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Restoration Alert
Combo Ticket Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Check Restoration Status
Much of the church is under renovation. Check for updates to know what's visible before you go.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
A combo ticket often includes this church, Silk Museum, and St. Nicholas. Great value!
👂 Audio Guide Recommended
The audio guide is helpful for understanding the restoration and artwork, especially with covered areas.
📸 Exterior Beauty
Even with interior scaffolding, the exterior architecture is stunning and worth admiring.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Check Restoration Status
Much of the church is under renovation. Check for updates to know what's visible before you go.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
A combo ticket often includes this church, Silk Museum, and St. Nicholas. Great value!
👂 Audio Guide Recommended
The audio guide is helpful for understanding the restoration and artwork, especially with covered areas.
📸 Exterior Beauty
Even with interior scaffolding, the exterior architecture is stunning and worth admiring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Church of Santos Juanes to be a historically significant site, particularly its Communion Chapel and reconstructed fresco. However, extensive ongoing restoration often covers large parts of the interior, leading some to feel it's less impressive than expected. Many recommend visiting as part of a combination ticket for better value.
"We visited here as we got the combination ticket at the church of Saint Peter & Saint Nicholas. I would have rated it higher if we could have seen more of it! But with the restoration work, a third of the audio guide information wasn't visible, which was a shame. I'm not sure how much entry costs, but I am glad that it was included in our combination ticket as I would have been a bit disappointed if I had paid in full. I'd like to go back again once the restoration work is done because it does look like a beautiful church- the communion chapel was a highlight!"
Emma L
"The church honors John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. It contains a collection of statues of the sons of Jacob that stand under the apostle who will judge that tribe. The church ceiling had a fresco lost in the Civil War fires that is currently being reconstructed with a photograph that is printed on the ceiling, complementing the fresco but allowing you to recognize the original where it still remains. As of January 2025, it is under restoration but still worth a visit as you can see part of the completed work and the Communion Chapel. You can buy a ticket for this church and St. Nicholas that also includes the Silk Museum."
Manuel Urquidi
"We did this on a combo ticket tourist thing and it's currently not really worth visiting. So much is covered with tarps and cloths that it was hard to find the features that were being pointed out in the audio program. The last station #12 was the most interesting cause it actually referenced the scaffolding that was in place and some of the problems they have had with renovating that one little chapel. I'd suggest the whole program would be more interesting if it was geared to the renovation. I saw some good pictures of the bells pre renovation here on Google. Why did they change the structure that the bell hangs from? We'll never know, but that sort of thing would be interesting."
David Leach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of Santos Juanes is centrally located in Valencia, near the Central Market. You can easily reach it by walking from many city center attractions. Public transport options include buses that stop nearby, or you can consider renting a bike to explore the area at your own pace. 
Yes, several bus lines stop close to the Central Market area, making the church easily accessible by public transport. It's also a popular stop for those exploring Valencia by bike.
Many visitors find that exploring the area around the Church of Santos Juanes on foot or by bike is ideal. This allows you to easily visit the adjacent Central Market and La Lonja de la Seda.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry costs can vary, but it's often included in a combination ticket with the Silk Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Some visitors were glad it was part of a package as they might have been hesitant to pay full price due to ongoing restoration.
It's generally recommended to check if advance booking is necessary, especially if you plan to purchase a combination ticket. This can save you time and potentially money.
Opening hours can vary, especially with restoration work. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
The church is open for visits, but it is currently under extensive restoration. This means some areas may be covered, and the experience might be different from pre-restoration visits. +1
A common combo ticket includes entry to the Church of Santos Juanes, the Silk Museum, and often the Church of St. Nicholas. This offers a comprehensive cultural experience. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can see the Communion Chapel, which is a highlight. The ceiling features a reconstructed fresco, and there's a collection of statues. However, much of the church is under restoration, so some areas might be covered. +1
Many visitors find it worth visiting, especially if they appreciate historical architecture and art, or if it's part of a combo ticket. The Communion Chapel and the fresco reconstruction are notable. However, some feel it's less impressive due to the extensive scaffolding. +1
Given the ongoing restoration, a visit might be shorter than usual. Allocate about 30-60 minutes, especially if you use the audio guide to understand the restoration efforts.
Yes, an audio guide is available and is highly recommended by visitors to understand the history, artwork, and the ongoing restoration process. +1
The church features a triangular bell tower topped with statues of saints. While not always the primary focus for visitors due to interior restoration, it's a notable architectural element.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially during restoration. It's advisable to check for any restrictions upon entry. The exterior is generally safe for photos.
The exterior of the church offers great photographic opportunities, showcasing its detailed architecture. Inside, the Communion Chapel and the reconstructed fresco are key subjects, though lighting might be affected by restoration.
Focus on the intricate facade, the bell tower with its saintly statues, and any visible details of the interior artwork, particularly the Communion Chapel and ceiling frescoes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children enjoy stories, you can share tales about the saints the church is named after. The reconstructed fresco might also spark curiosity about how old paintings are brought back to life. However, be prepared for potential limitations in access and viewing due to the restoration work.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the Communion Chapel, often cited as a highlight, and appreciate the blend of architectural styles. The history of the church, including damage from the Civil War and subsequent reconstruction, adds layers of depth to your visit. Consider the audio guide to gain deeper insights into its historical context and the restoration process.
📸 Photographers
Inside, the Communion Chapel and the reconstructed ceiling fresco offer unique photographic subjects. However, be mindful of the lighting conditions and any potential restrictions due to the ongoing restoration. Capturing the juxtaposition of historical art with modern scaffolding can create compelling images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Restoration
Despite the restoration, key areas like the Communion Chapel remain accessible and are often cited as a highlight. The reconstructed fresco on the ceiling is another point of interest, showcasing how historical art is being preserved and presented. For those interested in architectural conservation, the ongoing work itself can be a fascinating aspect of the visit.
It's important for visitors to manage their expectations. If you're seeking an unobstructed view of the entire church's grandeur, you might be disappointed. However, if you appreciate historical preservation and want to see a church in the process of being cared for, it's still a worthwhile stop, especially when combined with other nearby attractions.
The Value of Combination Tickets
For those who might find the Church of Santos Juanes less compelling due to its ongoing restoration, a combo ticket ensures you still get significant value from your visit. The Silk Museum, in particular, is often highlighted as an interesting historical site. Combining these attractions allows for a more comprehensive understanding of Valencia's rich history and artistic heritage.
When purchasing a combo ticket, always check exactly what is included and if there are any specific time slots or booking requirements for each venue. This will help you plan your day efficiently and make the most of your exploration of these historical gems.
Architectural Significance and History
A notable feature is its triangular bell tower, which is adorned with statues of saints, adding to its visual appeal. Historically, the church has faced challenges, including fires during the Civil War that damaged its ceiling frescoes. The current efforts to reconstruct these frescoes, using photographs as a guide, represent a fascinating intersection of art, history, and modern conservation techniques.
Its location adjacent to the bustling Central Market and the La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) places it within a historically rich and architecturally significant district of Valencia. This proximity makes it a natural stop for tourists exploring the city's heritage sites.
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