Collegiate of San Juan Bautista

Collegiate of San Juan Bautista is a Baroque collegiate chapel in Gijón, in Spain's Asturias region, built directly against the old tower of the Revillagigedo Palace. Long stripped of its religious role, it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Cimadevilla quarter.

Where is it located?

The building stands on Plaza del Marqués de San Esteban, in the heart of Gijón's old port district, facing the city's sports marina. The chapel leans on the older, fortified tower of the neighboring Revillagigedo Palace, once owned by the marquises of San Esteban del Mar — which is why the two structures are often perceived as a single architectural ensemble, even though they were built in different eras.

Who built it, and when?

Construction was finished in 1723. The completion of the works was overseen by canon Luis Martínez de Jove, with Pedro Ruiz de Somonte supervising the project. Architectural historians suggest the design may follow the ideas of Francisco Menéndez Camina, a master builder active in nearby Avilés. The Baroque façade ranks among the most ornate elements of the whole ensemble.

What is there to see?

The chapel takes the form of a three-story tower, an unusual layout for a church of its period and one that underscores its physical link to the adjoining defensive tower. It has two entrances. The more elaborate one, facing the port, is decorated with a pair of Ionic columns, a broken pediment, a niche crowned with a scallop shell motif, and a Cross of Calatrava held up by carved angels. These Baroque details — rustication at the tower's corners, columns, niches, and broken pediments — give the façade a distinctly festive, decorative character that contrasts with the plainer bulk of the palace tower beside it.

In 1974, the Collegiate of San Juan Bautista was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument, formally recognizing its heritage value for Asturias and placing it under conservation protection.

What is it used for today?

The collegiate no longer serves any liturgical purpose. Thanks to the exceptional acoustics of its interior, the building has become a valued concert venue, hosting musical performances, theater productions, and cultural gatherings and events. This blend of historic architecture with an active cultural role draws both heritage enthusiasts and visitors looking for an artistic event in an unusual setting.

Its proximity to the sports marina and its location within Cimadevilla — Gijón's oldest quarter, known for its narrow streets and stone buildings — mean that a visit to the collegiate naturally fits into a walk through the city's historic center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Collegiate of San Juan Bautista? It is an 18th-century Baroque collegiate chapel built next to the Revillagigedo Palace in Gijón, now used mainly as a concert venue and cultural space.

When was the collegiate built? Construction was completed in 1723 under canon Luis Martínez de Jove, with Pedro Ruiz de Somonte overseeing the work.

Why is the collegiate connected to the Revillagigedo Palace? The chapel is built against the palace's older defensive tower, once owned by the marquises of San Esteban del Mar, so the two structures form a single architectural ensemble.

Are religious services still held there? No — the building no longer serves a religious function and is now used for concerts, theater performances, and cultural events, making the most of its exceptional acoustics.