Ermita de Sant Joan
A former 13th-century Arab mosque, this was Bocairent's first Christian church and still keeps a belfry with a Gothic stone-and-mortar arch. Inside is a Baroque altarpiece from 1728 with Solomonic columns, Marian allegorical paintings on the ceiling, and a Crucifixion canvas.
In Bocairent's medieval quarter, the Ermita de Sant Joan occupies a building with two lives: it began as a 13th-century Arab mosque and, after the Christian conquest, became the town's first Christian church.
History
The building was constructed as a mosque in the 13th century and, after the Christian conquest, became Bocairent's first Christian church. That double architectural life, Mudéjar and Christian, shows in its walls of stone and mortar. As you approach, the bell-gable topped by a Gothic arch, also built of stone and mortar, stands out.
What to see
- The 1728 Baroque altarpiece, with its twisted Solomonic columns.
- The Marian allegorical paintings on the ceiling.
- The Crucifixion canvas.
Tips for your visit
- Pair it with a walk through the old town and the rest of Bocairent.
- Opening hours for small chapels tend to be limited, so it's worth checking locally before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the streets of the medieval quarter are steep and cobbled.
Frequently asked questions
What are the origins of the Ermita de Sant Joan?
It began as an Arab mosque in the 13th century and, after the Christian conquest, became the first Christian church in Bocairent.
What stands out inside the chapel?
It keeps a Baroque altarpiece with Solomonic columns from 1728, allegorical Marian paintings on the ceiling and a canvas of the Crucifixion.
Is the Ermita de Sant Joan free?
Yes, it is a history-laden corner of the medieval quarter and visiting it is free.
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