About Saint John of God:
A Portuguese-born man who led a remarkable life, transitioning from a soldier to a bookseller, and finally to a caregiver after a spiritual awakening in Granada. His work inspired the founding of the Brothers Hospitallers, an order that continues to operate hospitals globally, including one adjacent to the Basilica here.
John of God was Canonized in 1690 for his dedication to caring for the sick and poor.
The church’s rich iconography, including paintings and relics like bones and teeth, reflects his legacy as the
We celebrate the Feast of Saint John of God on March 8. John of God is patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, and firefighters.
About the Basilica of Saint John of God (Basílica de San Juan de Dios)
In 1737, the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God ordered the construction of a basilica to house the remains of the saint. In the middle of the century, this large Baroque church with a Latin cross plan was erected on San Juan de Dios street.
The façade has two towers topped with slate spires, adorned with marble and green jasper, and niches depicting key moments from the saint’s life.
The interior of the church is richly decorated with polychrome wood, sculptures of saints, and a great predominance of gilding. The imposing main altarpiece behind the altar, decorated in gold and with a figure of the Virgin Mary in the center.
The tomb of Saint John of God is in the main nave of the Basilica, surrounded by candles, flowers, and allusions to the Saint.
At the top of the basilica is the camarin, the small chapel behind the altar that houses personal objects of the saint. In a solid silver urn, you can see the wooden cross that St. John of God always carried with him, molars of the saint, and other small parts of his body recovered for his veneration.
The dome and the walls of the room are decorated with figures of angels and paintings about the life of the saint.
Traveling to the Basilica of Saint John of God (Basílica de San Juan de Dios):
Today, the basilica remains a place of worship and a popular tourist site, open to visitors (there is a small entry fee) and audio guides available. Its proximity to other Granada landmarks, like the Alhambra and Monasterio de San Jerónimo, makes it a must-see for those exploring the city’s rich history and architecture.
Address: San Juan de Dios, 17, Centro, 18001 Granada, Spain