About the Church of San Juan (Saint John) in Alba de Tormes:
The Church of San Juan here in Alba de Tormes dates back to the 12th or early 13th century. It is built with Romanesque-Mudéjar architecture, Located near the Plaza Mayor, it’s considered one of the finest representations of this style in the province of Salamanca due to its elegant proportions and slender chancel. The church features a three-nave layout with a triple apse, with the original structure largely preserved in the chancel and adjacent straight sections. The central nave is divided by large 16th-century arches, reflecting later modifications.
A highlight is its exceptional Romanesque sculptural ensemble, particularly the Apostolado, a set of sculptures from around 1200 depicting Jesus and the apostles. Crafted in sandstone with traces of original polychromy, this collection is among Spain’s finest Romanesque works, likely originally intended for a now-lost portada (portal). The church also houses a 13th-century wooden sculpture of Jesus with polychrome remnants, adding to its historical significance.
Note: The Church of San Juan is distinct from the nearby Church of San Juan de la Cruz, also in Alba de Tormes. The Church of San Juan de la Cruz is a Baroque church dating from the 1690s and is dedicated to Saint John of the Cross. It is part of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers’ Convent.