Saint John the Baptist Church (San Juan Bautista) Photos & Information. Arucas
Although this magnificent architectural masterpiece looks like it is a Cathedral or a Basilica it is a church. The only cathedral on Gran Canaria is Cathedral Metropolitan de Santa Ana de Gran Canaria in Las Palmas
Many locals call the San Juan Bautista Church, a cathedral, because of it's magnificent grandeur.
The San Juan Bautista Church is extremely s impressive church,and built in the local volcanic stone. The design is in the neo-gothic style, and the very tall towers have a very open structure letting the sky show through the designed openings.
It was built entirely by hand without the use of mechanical or technology devices. It is loyal testimony both of the skills of its builders and the determination of the local inhabitants, who witnessed the building of their church.
March 19, 1909, St Joseph´s Day, is when the construction of the San Juan Bautista Church started, and it was consecrated in 1917. Building continued, however, for nearly another seventy years. The bell tower started being built in the south-eastern corner in 1962, and it was completed in 1977.
A neo-gothic style was chosen, since it allowed for great ornamental displays on the stone to be engraved by local stone quarry workers, the traditional local trade. The proud presence of its four towers gives the church a sensation of grandeur, characteristic of buildings of the style, leading it to be popularly known as Arucas Cathedral.
The interior of St John Church has a slender elegance in its architectural lines and the light effects caused by the stained glass windows, which were installed between 1916 - 1928.
The church has an outstanding reclining nude image of Christ, by local sculptor Manolo Ramos (1898-1971). Made in wood around 1940, it is renowned for the treatment of the nude and and the expressive power of the figures head, in which the author reveals his knowledge of the human anatomy.
History of St. John the Baptist Church in Arucas
Before the first church a small hermitage, dedicated to St. John the Baptist was built. The first church in Arucas , replacing the hermitage was built in 1515, around 32years after the Spanish had fully conquered the local Guanche population in 1483. This was during the reign Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile of Catholic Monarchs who united Spain into a country and defeated the Moors who ruled most of the Iberian peninsula. In England it was at the time of the Wars of the Roses. The church was restored & enlarged several times until time took it's tolls and replacement was necessary.
Church Layout - Chapels, Altars, Towers
1. Entrance to the Church
Exterior & Interior Views of the Entrance
San Juan Bautista San Bautista -Nave, Arucas
View along the Nave to the Main Altar from the Entrance.
The Entrance is on the West side of the church
Above the Entrance is a beautifull Stained Glass Rose Window.
Our layout tour is in a clockwork direction after entering the church, we also make reference to external features & locations
2. The Baptism Chapel & Clock Tower
3. Saint Francis of Assisi Side Chapel
4. Double Door Closed. Rose Window
5. Main Altar
6. San Blas Side Chapel
7. Virgin of Rosario chapel & Tower+
8. Apse. Holy Week Altar
9. Behind the Apse.
10. Sacristy & Bell tower, the largest tower
11. Blessed Sacrament Side Chapel
12. Double Door Closed. Rose Window
13. Recumbent Christ Chapel
14 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel
- The Bell tower is the tallest of the 4 spires, one on each corner, at 60m (197feet high.
- It is located on the south east corner and juts out about12m (42feet) beyond the southern wall.
