Church of Saint Francis

The Church of San Francisco is one of the defining landmarks of Altea's old town on Spain's Costa Blanca. Standing on Plaza del Convento, it occupies the surviving building of a former Franciscan convent, which is why locals simply call it "the convent church."

Where is the church located?

The building sits at Plaza del Convento 1, right next to the N-332, the main road running along the Costa Blanca, in the heart of Altea's historic quarter. The small, quiet square is framed by 19th-century houses, and narrow lanes lead uphill from it toward the town's famous blue-domed Church of Our Lady of Consolation and the Plaza de la Iglesia viewpoint.

What can you see nearby?

The Church of San Francisco is part of a wider architectural ensemble that captures how Altea looked in the 19th century. Stone houses from that era are attached directly to the church, and nearby stands the historic Casino de Peparra, with its lower and upper terraces still preserved in something close to their original form. Along the Costera de Montcau, on the north side of the square, you'll find the earliest 19th-century residences of this part of town. Walking these streets at a slow pace is the best way to feel the character of old Altea before continuing up toward the upper town and its famous lookout point beside the parish church.

The building itself is more modest than the blue-domed church on the hill, but it has its own charm: a plain white façade and an intimate interior stand in contrast to the more ornate religious architecture found elsewhere in the Alicante province. This is a working parish church, more a local landmark than a tourist stop, which gives it a quieter, more authentic feel.

When should you visit?

The church is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 to 12:00 and 18:30 to 20:00; in spring and summer the evening hours shift to 19:00–20:30. It's worth timing a visit around these windows, since the interior isn't accessible to visitors outside opening hours.

For travelers with reduced mobility, a portable ramp is available to overcome the step at the entrance, and a reserved parking space is provided nearby. This makes it easier to see the interior without having to negotiate stairs.

Early evening is generally the best time to visit — the light softens across the old town and the streets around the square are quieter than during the middle of the day. Altea can get hot in summer, so the morning opening hours are a good alternative for those avoiding the midday heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Church of San Francisco the same as Altea's famous blue church? No. The blue-domed church is the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, located higher up on Plaza de la Iglesia. San Francisco is a separate, older convent church located on Plaza del Convento.

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry during opening hours is free, as is typical for parish churches in Spain.

Is the church accessible for visitors with disabilities? Yes, a portable ramp is available at the entrance to overcome the step, and a reserved parking space for people with reduced mobility is provided nearby.

What else is worth seeing close by? Right next to the church is the historic Casino de Peparra with its preserved terraces, along with 19th-century houses along the Costera de Montcau. From here it's also a short walk up to the old town's upper quarter and the famous blue-domed church.