Church of San Juan de la Cruz

The perfectly symmetrical façade creates a cross-like decoration. The coat of arms of the Carmelite Order can be seen at the head of the doorway. The coat of arms of the Álvarez de Toledo family are on the sides, and at the foot is the image of Saint John of the Cross.

The church has a Latin cross layout, and the interior features frescoes on the pendentives of the transept dome. The main altarpiece features the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and just above it, the elevation of Saint John of the Cross. Another notable image is that of the Infant Jesus of Prague, which, along with Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is the most internationally recognized Carmelite devotion. The effigy of the Infant Jesus is located in a niche within the transept of the friars’ church.

Without a doubt, the most special feature in the church is the relic of the saint: the index finger of Saint John of the Cross.

During 2017 and 2018, the entire ground floor of the convent was remodeled, including the processional cloister with its courtyard, the main sacristy, the old refectory, the gatehouse and visiting rooms, the convent garden, and several permanent exhibition halls. It was renamed the Teresian Center of San Juan “Let’s go deeper…”

In the designated spaces, you can admire not only the architectural treasures but also the artistic works found there.