church of Saint John the Baptist

The Church of Saint John the Baptist in Cabanes, in the province of Castellón, is a Baroque parish church standing at the heart of the town and belonging to the Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón. It ranks among the largest churches in the diocese and is one of the main sights to seek out while walking through Cabanes.

How do you get there?

Cabanes sits in the Mediterranean part of Castellón province, a short distance inland from the Costa del Azahar coastline. The church stands right in the town centre, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot from the main square — driving means dealing with limited parking in the narrow old-town streets. The nearest large city is Castellón de la Plana, connected to Cabanes by a local inland road.

What will you see?

The current building replaced a smaller church, possibly of medieval origin. Construction of the new temple began on 6 January 1722, based on a design by a Valencian architect and carried out under master builder Pau Ferrer. Work sped up from 1750 onward, and by 1764 the main structure was complete, still lacking its bell tower, dome and facade.

Over the following years the interior was decorated with the involvement of architect Bartolomé Ribelles. The facade itself was raised between 1779 and 1791, designed by Andreu Moreno, with the sculptural decoration of the doorway carried out by local sculptor Cristóbal Maurat y Marco (1755–1817) — the same artist responsible for the striking statue of Saint John the Baptist crowning the front. The Baroque facade stands out for its polished marble columns, topped by a sturdy bell tower that was, notably, never finished.

Inside, the layout follows a claustral plan with three naves in the Corinthian order, a spacious transept and a tall dome rising over the crossing. From the earlier, older church, the Communion Chapel survives, endowed in 1658 by Francisco Gavaldá, a native of Cabanes who became bishop of Segorbe, as a resting place for his parents' remains. The church is dedicated to the beheading of Saint John the Baptist and has been under continuous restoration since 1957, which has kept its stonework and interior in good condition.

When should you visit?

The church is best explored during the day, when natural light plays well across the facade and the nave interiors. It's worth pairing a visit with the other historic sites around Cabanes, including the fortified hermitage of Albalat located just outside town. Outside the summer season the town is quieter, making for an unhurried, crowd-free visit.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the church in Cabanes? Construction of the present building began in 1722, and the main structure was finished by 1764. The facade wasn't completed until the late 18th century, between 1779 and 1791.

What architectural style does the church represent? It is a Baroque building with a three-nave claustral interior in the Corinthian order, a spacious transept, a tall dome, and an ornate facade with marble columns.

Who created the sculptures on the facade? The sculptural decoration of the portal, including the figure of Saint John the Baptist, was made by Cabanes-born sculptor Cristóbal Maurat y Marco (1755–1817).

Does the church preserve anything from the earlier building? Yes — the Communion Chapel dates from 1658 and was endowed by the bishop of Segorbe, Francisco Gavaldá, a native of Cabanes, as a burial place for his parents.