Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
A historically rich Gothic church in Cáceres, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution and a serene atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historically rich Gothic church in Cáceres, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution and a serene atmosphere.
"A beautiful church in the heart of Cáceres with an impressive Gothic facade and a peaceful, historic atmosphere."
📸 Capture the Architecture
Take time to photograph the intricate Gothic facade and interior details.
🚶 Explore the Surroundings
The church is located near the walled city, offering a great starting point for exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Facade
Impressive Gothic exterior, a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and restoration.
Chapel of Relics
Discover the chapel adorned with Plateresque decoration, featuring cherubs and balustraded columns.
Ribbed Vaults and Oculus
Admire the interior's grand ribbed arches, central oculus, and a large organ that adds to the ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its Significance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
Take time to photograph the intricate Gothic facade and interior details.
🚶 Explore the Surroundings
The church is located near the walled city, offering a great starting point for exploration.
🙏 Seek Serenity
Step inside for a moment of peace and to appreciate the historic, spiritual atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
Take time to photograph the intricate Gothic facade and interior details.
🚶 Explore the Surroundings
The church is located near the walled city, offering a great starting point for exploration.
🙏 Seek Serenity
Step inside for a moment of peace and to appreciate the historic, spiritual atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista for its impressive Gothic facade and the serene, historic atmosphere within. Its central location in Cáceres makes it a convenient and significant landmark, appreciated for its architectural details like the Chapel of Relics and ribbed vaults. Some note the interior can be dark, but this often adds to its solemn beauty.
"Excellent"
Respuesta Última
"A beautiful church in the heart of Cáceres. Its Gothic façade is impressive, and inside it holds a very special, peaceful, and historic atmosphere. It's one of the city's most important temples, a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. A perfect place to stop in for a moment, enjoy its architecture, and the atmosphere it exudes."
J Seranil
"Sober but beautiful church, located in the center of Caceres, at the gates of the walled enclosure.
The Gothic-style church was built during the 13th century, although it underwent major renovations in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries and was not fully completed until the 18th. In turn, in the mid-twentieth century it was restored, recovering much of its original style.
The temple is characterized by having a nave covered with a ribbed vault with terceletes. The apse is covered with pointed ribbed vaults. At the same time, the presence of several chapels stands out inside, among which, the most important is the chapel of the relics with its doorway with Plateresque decoration with cherubs and balustraded columns on the sides.
The church is located on the outskirts of the walled area and in ancient times it was the point where ranchers and shepherds held their livestock fairs, which created a settlement in its surroundings and led to it being popularly known as San Juan de los Ovejeros."
Juan José Barraso
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is centrally located in Cáceres, often described as being at the gates of the walled enclosure. If you're arriving by public transport, you can typically reach the city center via bus or train, and then it's a short walk to the church.
Parking in historic city centers can be challenging. It's advisable to look for public parking garages or designated street parking areas a short distance from the church and walk.
Yes, many walking tours of Cáceres include a visit to the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista due to its historical significance and central location within the old town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entry to the main areas of the church is free, allowing visitors to appreciate its architecture and atmosphere. However, specific chapels or areas might have separate access or donation requests.
Opening hours can vary, but churches are typically open during daylight hours, often with a midday closure. It's best to check local listings or inquire upon arrival for the most current times.
While the main church is usually free to enter, some specific chapels or areas, like the Chapel of Relics, might have a small fee or suggest a donation.
Yes, the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is an active place of worship. You are welcome to attend mass or other services, respecting the solemnity of the occasion.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted inside churches for personal use, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and be mindful of other visitors.
The ribbed vaults, the oculus, the Chapel of Relics with its Plateresque details, and the organ are particularly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical monuments for safety and privacy reasons. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The church showcases a blend of styles, with its origins in Gothic and Mudéjar periods, and significant renovations in later centuries, resulting in a rich architectural tapestry.
Its origins date back to the 13th century, with major construction and renovations occurring over several centuries, with completion in the 18th century.
The church was historically known as San Juan de los Ovejeros because it was a site for livestock fairs, leading to a settlement around it.
The church has been a site for local celebrations and religious events throughout its history, including anniversaries and special masses.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a journey back in time, explaining that people built this amazing place a very long time ago. The peaceful atmosphere can also be a good opportunity to teach children about respectful behavior in sacred spaces. Keep the visit concise to maintain their attention, focusing on the most visually striking features.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details of the ribbed vaults, the unique oculus, and the intricate carvings in the Chapel of Relics. Understanding its evolution from a simple temple to a grand structure, and its historical context as a former livestock fair site, provides a deeper appreciation for its significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Journey Through Time
+1Inside, the church features a nave covered with ribbed vaults with terceletes, and the apse is similarly covered with pointed ribbed vaults. A notable feature is the Chapel of Relics, distinguished by its Plateresque decoration, complete with cherubs and balustraded columns. The exterior presents a solid appearance with a simple doorway, and heraldic shields at the corners add a touch of historical significance.
Restored in the mid-twentieth century, the church has largely recovered its original style, making it a living testament to centuries of craftsmanship and devotion. Its location on the outskirts of the walled area also hints at its historical role as a gathering point for livestock fairs, earning it the popular name 'San Juan de los Ovejeros'.
Experiencing the Atmosphere
The interior, though sometimes described as dark, is noted for its beauty, particularly the ribbed arches and the vain oculus in the center. The presence of a large organ further enhances the ambiance, contributing to the solemnity and grandeur of the space.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the church offers a profound experience. It serves as a vital meeting point for locals and a significant stop for visitors exploring the historic heart of Cáceres.
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