Basilica of San Juan de Dios and the Golden Baroque Reliquary
Why is it significant?
Arrive before the majestic stone facade of the Basílica de San Juan de Dios, an astonishing sanctuary that represents the absolute zenith of Andalusian high baroque decorative art.
Key Facts
| Place | Basilica of San Juan de Dios and the Golden Baroque Reliquary |
|---|---|
| Address | Calle San Juan de Dios 17, 18001 Granada, Spain |
| Geo Coordinates | 37.18120, -3.60420 |
| Part of Walk | Historic Center and Cathedral: Royal Tombs, Silk Bazaars and Golden Baroque |
| Generated | Generated |
Arrive before the majestic stone facade of the Basílica de San Juan de Dios, an astonishing sanctuary that represents the absolute zenith of Andalusian high baroque decorative art. Built between 1737 and 1759 under the direction of architect José de Bada, the basilica was erected to honor Saint John of God, the compassionate Portuguese-born founder of the Hospitaller Brothers who dedicated his life to caring for the poor, sick, and mentally ill on the streets of Granada. Flanked by twin stone towers crowned with slate spires, the exterior facade features carved marble sculptures of Faith and Charity.
Step through the entrance doors and prepare for an overwhelming sensory shock: virtually every square inch of the vast interior walls, pilasters, and vaults is covered in glittering twenty-four-karat gold leaf, intricately carved polychrome woodwork, and sparkling crystal chandeliers imported from Venice. Walk to the breathtaking retablo mayor, an immense golden altarpiece rising directly into the dome, behind which lies the Holy of Holies, the Camarin of the saint, decorated with solid silver urns, mirrors, and hundreds of precious reliquaries.
In the center of the Camarin, resting upon an altar of solid silver and ebony, stands the solid silver sarcophagus containing the holy relics of Saint John of God himself. The Hospitaller Order founded by Saint John expanded from this modest Granada sanctuary to establish hospitals in more than fifty nations across the globe, caring for millions of suffering patients over five centuries.
Look up into the central dome: the dynamic fresco paintings by Diego Sánchez Sarabia depict the apotheosis of Saint John of God ascending into heaven surrounded by choirs of golden angels.
Walk north along Calle San Juan de Dios toward the majestic plateresque courtyards of the Hospital Real of Granada.