Basilica of Saint John of God

The Basilica of Saint John of God stands in the heart of Granada, Spain, as one of the city's most lavishly decorated churches and the resting place of the relics of the founder of the Hospitaller Order that bears his name. Construction ran from 1737 to 1759 under the direction of architect José de Bada, commissioned by the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of God to give their founder a fitting shrine.

What does the exterior look like?

The basilica's façade is built of marble in a Baroque style, fronted by a portico of Doric columns and flanked by two matching towers. The building follows a Latin-cross floor plan, and a raised dome crowns the crossing, letting extra light filter into the nave below.

What will you find inside?

The interior is regarded as one of the most striking examples of Andalusian Baroque decoration anywhere in Spain. Mirrors, alabaster panels, garlands, heraldic cartouches, arches and pilasters cover almost every surface, while gold and silver ornamentation adds further richness throughout the church. The vaulted ceilings carry paintings by Diego Sánchez de Sarabia, who is also credited with the main altarpiece — one of the building's principal artistic focal points.

Where are the saint's relics kept?

The main chapel houses a camarín, a small dedicated shrine room, containing an urn made of solid silver. This urn holds the relics of Saint John of God, patron of hospital work and of the order he founded. Its surface is worked with scenes depicting episodes from his life, and the shrine also displays items such as a wooden cross associated with the saint, presented for the veneration of visitors and pilgrims.

Practical visitor information

The basilica sits in central Granada and welcomes visitors and pilgrims during set hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 14:00 and again from 16:45 to 20:45, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00. For further information or group visits, the basilica can be reached by phone at +34 958 201 298.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Basilica of Saint John of God built? The church was built between 1737 and 1759, designed by the architect José de Bada.

Why is the basilica so richly decorated? It was commissioned by the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God to honor its founder, which is why the interior is filled with gold, silver, alabaster and elaborate Baroque ornamentation.

What is kept in the main chapel? The main chapel's camarín houses a solid silver urn containing the relics of Saint John of God, decorated with scenes from his life.

What are the opening hours? The basilica is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 14:00 and 16:45 to 20:45, and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00.