San Juan Bautista church

The Church of San Juan Bautista stands in Instinción, a small village in the Almería Alpujarra, raised on a slope beside Plaza Francisco Salvador. It is one of the oldest religious buildings in the area and one of the few churches in the region that survived the Morisco Rebellion of 1568–1571 undamaged.

How do you get there?

Instinción sits inland in Almería province, in the Andarax river valley, surrounded by terraced orchards and the foothills of the Alpujarra. Driving from the city of Almería takes roughly 30–40 minutes on local roads. The church stands in the village centre, on the main square, so it is easy to spot once you reach Instinción — its bell tower rises above the surrounding houses and is the most recognisable landmark in the village skyline.

What will you see there?

The building is a good example of Mudéjar architecture, a style shared by many churches across the Alpujarra that were raised after the conquest of the Kingdom of Granada. Inside, the plan is simple and single-naved, with the main chapel clearly set apart by a triumphal arch and a choir loft near the entrance. The most valuable feature is the wooden roof structure (armadura) over the main chapel — a four-sided timber ceiling on beams, recently restored, decorated with the kind of carved ornamentation typical of Mudéjar carpentry.

Construction began in 1530, when the walls of the church and its adjoining sacristy were being raised; the building work was finished during the second third of the 16th century. The project was financed and maintained by the Duke of Maqueda, one of the feudal lords who held authority over this part of Almería after the Reconquest.

The bell tower was designed with a double purpose — as a belfry and, at the same time, as a defensive point, a refuge for "Old Christians" in case of attack. During the Morisco Rebellion of 1568–1571, when many Alpujarra churches were burned or looted, the church in Instinción came through unscathed. That is why its original timber roof structures still survive today, a rarity in a region where most comparable woodwork was lost to fire during that period.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since temperatures in the Andarax valley are mild and the surrounding terraces and orchards look their greenest. In summer, inland and away from the coast, temperatures climb quickly, which makes walking around the village for long less pleasant. It is worth checking local opening hours before visiting, since the church is primarily an active place of worship and access to the interior may be limited outside Mass times and celebrations.

What else should you know before visiting?

The bell tower, also used as a viewpoint, overlooks the valley and surrounding hills — reason enough to stop here even briefly. Despite its small size, Instinción belongs to a wider trail of Almería Alpujarra villages known for preserved Mudéjar architecture, so the church pairs well with a visit to neighbouring villages in the same area.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Mudéjar architecture visible in the church? It is a building style blending Christian and Islamic elements, typical of lands regained during the Reconquest. In Instinción it shows mainly in the wooden roof structure and the simplicity of the single-nave interior.

Why is this church notable within the region? Because it survived the Morisco Rebellion of 1568–1571 without being burned, unlike many other Alpujarra churches — which is why it still keeps its original historic timberwork.

Who paid for the church's construction? The Duke of Maqueda financed and maintained the building, holding feudal rights over Instinción at the time the church was raised in the 16th century.

Can you climb the bell tower? The tower serves as a viewpoint over the valley, but access to it and to the church interior depends on parish opening hours — it is worth checking locally before visiting.