Iglesia de los Santos Juanes, Valencia

Church, Historic Building and Religious Building in Valencia

Iglesia de los Santos Juanes
Iglesia de los Santos Juanes
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Juan Mayordomo

Iglesia de los Santos Juanes (also known locally as Sant Joan del Mercat) is one of Valencia's most striking historic churches, set right on Plaça del Mercat between the Mercado Central and the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda). Even if you only have time for a quick look, the exterior alone is worth a pause while you're exploring the Old Town's busiest, most photogenic corner.

It's an easy add-on to a walking tour of Ciutat Vella: pair it with a market visit in the morning, then cross the square for La Lonja, and finish with a slow wander toward Plaza de la Reina. If you're choosing where to linger, the best views are from the open space of Plaça del Mercat (for the full façade) and from the market-side approach (for the church's scale against the surrounding streets).

History and Significance of the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

The church’s story mirrors Valencia’s own layers: a medieval foundation that later took on a powerful Baroque identity. Over centuries, fires and rebuilding campaigns reshaped the interior, turning it into a showcase of Valencian religious art and theatrical decoration.

Part of what makes Santos Juanes significant is its setting and role: it sits at the heart of civic and commercial Valencia, facing the market and steps from La Lonja. That “church of the marketplace” identity is still felt today, when the square fills with shoppers and sightseers and the church stands as a monumental counterpoint to everyday city life.

In recent years, restoration has been a major theme of the visitor experience. Depending on when you go, you may encounter areas under conservation, but you’ll also see how the building is being carefully brought back to its intended visual impact.

Things to See and Do in the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

Start outside. The church's position on Plaça del Mercat makes it one of the best places in Valencia to appreciate how architecture frames public space: step back toward the market entrance to take in the full façade, then angle toward La Lonja for a classic “two icons in one view” photo.

Inside, the big draw is the richly decorated Baroque atmosphere: look up for ceiling work and restored surfaces, and take time to scan side chapels and sculptural details. Visitors often mention the sense of craftsmanship and the scale of the decoration, even when parts are still being worked on.

If available during your visit, consider choosing an option that includes context (like an audio guide or a guided visit) so the symbolism and art program make more sense. It’s also a good stop to combine with nearby cultural highlights, especially if you’re doing a compact Old Town itinerary.

How to Get to the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

Valencia Airport (VLC) is the nearest airport, with Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) a common alternative for some itineraries. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by rail, Valencia Joaquín Sorolla (high-speed) and Estació del Nord (regional) are the main stations; from either, you can reach the Old Town by metro, bus, or a straightforward taxi ride. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car, driving into Ciutat Vella is rarely the easiest option due to restricted access streets and limited parking; it’s better to park in a central garage and walk the last stretch. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

  • Official website: https://santosjuanesvalencia.com/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €13; Reduced: €10; Under 12: free.
  • Opening hours: Monday: 10:00–20:00. Tuesday: 10:00–20:00. Wednesday: 13:00–20:00. Thursday: 10:00–20:00. Friday: 10:00–20:00. Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 13:00–20:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day to pair it with Mercado Central, or later afternoon for a calmer interior and softer light on Plaça del Mercat.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes for a quick interior visit, or about an hour if you’re using an audio guide and taking your time with details.
  • Accessibility: The area around Plaça del Mercat is mostly flat and walkable; inside access can vary if restoration zones or temporary routes are in place.
  • Facilities: You’re surrounded by cafés, bakeries, and the market, so it’s easy to plan a snack stop before or after; restrooms are best handled at nearby venues rather than counting on the church.

Where to Stay Close to the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

Base yourself in central Ciutat Vella for the easiest walking access to the church, the market, and Valencia’s headline sights.

For a classic, walk-everywhere stay, choose a hotel around the Old Town core so you can pop back midday and return to Plaça del Mercat in the evening when the crowds thin. If you prefer a slightly quieter feel without losing convenience, look for options on the edges of the historic center near Turia gardens access.

Vincci Mercat A smart pick for proximity: you're minutes from the church and Mercado Central, with a modern feel that suits short city breaks.

Hotel San Lorenzo Boutique A boutique option in the Old Town that’s great for travelers who want charm and a quieter street while staying walk-close to the main sights.

MYR Plaza Mercado & Spa Ideal if you want to be right in the action near the market square, plus the bonus of spa facilities after a day of walking.

Caro Hotel A design-forward stay in a historic building, perfect for travelers who want a “special occasion” hotel with strong Valencia character.

Only YOU Hotel Valencia A stylish, full-service base with an upscale vibe, well placed for both the Old Town and the more modern shopping/restaurant areas.

Is the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you're already visiting Mercado Central and La Lonja. The location is unbeatable, and the church offers a memorable contrast between Valencia's everyday market energy outside and a richly decorated sacred interior within.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and restoration coverage is heavy during your visit, you may feel the interior experience is less complete than expected. In that case, enjoy the exterior and square views, then prioritize La Lonja, the Cathedral area, or another fully accessible interior (like a museum or a less scaffolded church).

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (1,206)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with many visitors praising the church’s beauty, craftsmanship, and standout interior details. A recurring highlight is its convenient location next to the Central Market, making it an easy stop on an Old Town walk. The most common downside is ongoing restoration: some guests feel that scaffolding or covered areas reduce what you can see, and a few mention that the ticket price feels high when parts of the interior aren’t fully visible.

Elaine Huang
3 weeks ago
"Very beautiful but entry ticket is €13"
Emma L
a year ago
"We visited here as we got the combination ticket at the church of Saint Peter & Saint Nicholas. I would have rated it higher if we could have seenmore of it! But with the restoration work, a third of the audio guide information wasn't visible, which was a shame. I'm not sure how much entry costs, but I am glad that it was included in our combination ticket as I would have been a bit disappointed if I had paid in full. I'd like to go back again once the restoration work is done because it does look like a beautiful church- the communion chapel was a highlight!..."
Manuel Urquidi
a year ago
"The church honors John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. It contains a collection of statues of the sons of Jacob that stand under the apostle whowill judge that tribe. The church ceiling had a fresco lost in the Civil War fires that is currently being reconstructed with a photograph that is printed on the ceiling, complementing the fresco but allowing you to recognize the original where it still remains. As of January 2025, it is under restoration but still worth a visit as you can see part of the completed work and the Communion Chapel. You can buy a ticket for this church and St. Nicholas that also includes the Silk Museum...."

For Different Travelers

Santos Juanes works best as a flexible stop: you can treat it as a quick “wow” moment from the square or as a deeper art-and-history visit if you choose a ticketed cultural entry.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the sheer scale of the building and the lively setting next to the market, which breaks up a day of museums. Keep the visit short and turn it into a “spot the details” game: statues, symbols, and ceiling elements.

If restoration areas are present, it can actually help families because there’s less pressure to see everything perfectly. Pair it with a market snack and a short walk afterward so the day stays varied.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the best moment is stepping out into Plaça del Mercat after the visit, when the light hits the façades and the square feels cinematic. It’s an easy, atmospheric stop between tapas plans and Old Town strolling.

If you want something a bit different, look for an experience that adds storytelling (audio guide or a scheduled visit) so the interior feels more meaningful than a quick look.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can still get a lot out of Santos Juanes by focusing on the exterior and the surrounding square, which is one of the most rewarding free photo stops in central Valencia. The nearby market area is also great for affordable eats.

If you do pay to go in, consider whether a combo ticket with other attractions matches your itinerary. That way, you’ll get more value while keeping your sightseeing clustered in walkable Ciutat Vella.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the church reflects Valencia’s shifting eras, from medieval roots to a dramatic Baroque transformation. It’s also a strong example of how disasters and restoration shape what we see today.

To get the most from it, visit with context: read up beforehand or use an audio guide so you can connect the art program to the building’s long timeline and the city’s religious and civic history.

FAQs for Visiting Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the heart of Ciutat Vella beside Mercado Central and very close to La Lonja. Most visitors reach it naturally while walking between major landmarks.
Take metro or bus toward the city center and then walk the final stretch into the pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Taxis are also convenient for a direct drop-off near the center.
Yes, that’s one of the best ways to do it because they’re essentially next door. Plan the market first, then the church, then La Lonja (or reverse).

Tickets & Entry

Not always, but booking ahead can be helpful in peak seasons or if you want a specific experience time. If you’re on a tight schedule, pre-booking reduces uncertainty.
Often, yes—reduced categories may apply to students, seniors, and other groups, depending on the current ticket policy. Bring documentation if you plan to use a discount.
Sometimes there are combined options that bundle Santos Juanes with other nearby cultural sites. These can be good value if you’re already planning to visit the included places.

Visiting Experience

It can, and some visitors report that parts of the interior may be covered or partially inaccessible at times. The trade-off is the chance to see a landmark actively being brought back to life.
Yes if you enjoy architecture and atmosphere, but set expectations: you may not see every feature clearly. If you’re unsure, prioritize the exterior and decide on entry once you arrive.
The square outside is often busy, especially around market hours. Inside typically feels calmer, but weekends and holidays can increase visitor numbers.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many Old Town walking routes pass by it because it’s beside the market and La Lonja. Even if your tour doesn’t go inside, it’s an easy self-guided add-on.
Do Mercado Central, then Santos Juanes, then La Lonja, and finish with a wander toward Plaza de la Reina. This keeps everything walkable and time-efficient.
Not required, but it helps you understand what you’re looking at, especially when details are high up or partially restored. If you like art interpretation, it’s worth it.

Photography

Stand back in Plaça del Mercat to frame the façade, then move toward La Lonja for wider compositions that capture the historic setting. Morning light can be great for crisp detail.
Rules can vary by time and event, so check signage on arrival. If allowed, be respectful and avoid disturbing worshippers.
Tripods are often restricted in historic interiors due to space and visitor flow. If you need stable shots, ask staff or plan for handheld low-light techniques.

Accessibility & Facilities

Access can be good in principle due to the flat surroundings, but interior routes may change with restoration setups. If accessibility is essential, confirm current arrangements before you go.
Don’t count on it; plan to use facilities at nearby cafés or around the market area. The neighborhood is well-served for quick breaks.
Yes, there are plenty of cafés and casual spots around Plaça del Mercat. It’s an easy area to pause between sights.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Use Mercado Central for a quick bite earlier in the day, then choose a café around the square for coffee afterward. It keeps everything within a few minutes’ walk.
Yes, the market area is one of the best places in central Valencia for affordable snacks and casual meals. Look for simple tapas bars and bakeries on the surrounding streets.
Yes, especially if you want to linger in Ciutat Vella. Just expect peak-time crowds around typical Spanish lunch hours.

Safety & Timing

It’s a busy central zone that’s generally safe, but like any crowded area, watch your belongings. Keep an eye out during market rush times.
If you dislike crowds, avoid the busiest market hours and weekend midday peaks. Late afternoon can feel calmer for a more relaxed look.
Yes, religious celebrations can modify access and timing. If you have a strict schedule, build in flexibility or check for same-day notices.

Nearby Attractions to the Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

  • Mercado Central de València: A landmark modernist market and one of the best places in the city for local produce, snacks, and atmosphere.
  • La Lonja de la Seda: Valencia's UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange, a must-see Gothic masterpiece steps from the church.
  • Plaza de la Reina: A central Old Town square that's a natural next stop for strolling, people-watching, and connecting to other sights.
  • Valencia Cathedral: A short walk away, offering a deep dive into the city's religious history and architecture.
  • Torres de Serranos: One of Valencia's iconic medieval gates, great for understanding the old city layout and snapping skyline photos.

The Iglesia de los Santos Juanes appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday: 10:00-20:00.

Tuesday: 10:00-20:00.

Wednesday: 13:00-20:00.

Thursday: 10:00-20:00.

Friday: 10:00-20:00.

Saturday: 10:00-18:00.

Sunday: 13:00-20:00.

Price:

Adults: €13; Reduced: €10; Under 12: free.

Address: Pl. del Mercat, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 2 km
Telephone: +34 963 91 63 54
Official Website

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