Located at Plaza Cristo de la Salud 1, Murcia's San Juan de Dios Church stands as an architectural and historical marvel. While its grand exterior showcases a rich past, the site contains a palatial-military complex beneath the surface. This complex consisted of several structures, including a palace for the governor (qasr) and other buildings linked to the court. In 1243, during the reign of King Alfonso X, this complex was claimed and was later granted by James I of Aragon to the primary adelantado following the Mudejar uprising of 1264-1266.
The church that stands today was constructed between 1764 and 1781, boasting an unusual elliptical design and intricate Rococo decorations. The religious statues found within span from the 15th to the 19th century. Today, the Church of San Juan de Dios serves as one of Murcia's sites within the Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia (MUBAM), unveiling the city's hidden treasures including the underground remains of the Muslim Alcázar.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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