Iglesia de San Luis de los Franceses

San Luis de los Franceses is a Jesuit church in the Macarena district known for its circular plan and baroque architecture. Sixteen twisted columns support a central cupola adorned with religious frescoes by Lucas de Valdés.

Leonardo de Figueroa began building this Jesuit novitiate in 1699, which was completed only in 1731. After the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767, the building changed hands several times.

The name honors Louis IX of France, whose image appears beneath a gilded crown in the altarpiece paintings. Visitors can view saints' relics preserved behind glass in the private chapel.

The church on Calle San Luis 37 reopened in 2016 after major renovations and now receives visitors. A mirror inside helps viewers appreciate the dome decoration without straining their necks.

A floor mirror allows visitors to view the ceiling frescoes comfortably without looking upward. The four gilded altarpieces contain paintings that combine religious scenes with elaborate gold ornamentation.

Location: Seville

Inception: 1699

Architects: Leonardo de Figueroa

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Part of: Noviciado of the Society of Jesus, Sevilla

GPS coordinates: 37.39838,-5.98831

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27