Description of the attraction
The Church of San Juan del Mercado, or as it is also called the Church of St. Juan (Santos Juanes), is located in the city of Valencia opposite the famous Silk Exchange and next to the Central Market. Like many other temples, it was built on the site of a former mosque, built in 1240.
This church is one of the oldest in Valencia. The time of its creation dates back to the 14th century. The original building of the Church of San Juan del Mercado was created in the Gothic style. In 1552, there was a major fire that caused serious damage to the church and destroyed some of its structures and elements. After some time, the building of the church was restored. The original façade of the church, facing the market, has been preserved practically intact. On this side, the church is decorated with a sculptural image of the Virgin Mary by the master Jacopo Bertesi. The original clock tower is located above it. The rest of the building has been restored mainly in the Baroque style. The building of the Church of San Juan del Mercado impresses with its grandeur and rich decor.
The interior decoration of the church also shines with splendor. I would especially like to highlight the large high dome that crowns it. This dome is decorated with frescoes of extraordinary beauty from the 17th century, depicting biblical subjects. Unfortunately, these frescoes were severely damaged by fires during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939. Until now, specialists are working on their restoration.
