Church of John of Barbalos

The Church of John of Barbalos is a Romanesque structure in the Old City of Salamanca built with a single nave design. Its interior features a barrel vault with pointed arches and three pointed windows that light the apse.

The Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem established this church in 1139 as a place of worship. Over centuries it remained a working religious building and became an important part of the city's medieval heritage.

The carved cornice features medieval figures playing musical instruments and animal heads that show the artistic tastes of the period. These sculptural details reflect how people decorated their religious spaces in the Middle Ages.

The church has limited wheelchair accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. It sits near the historic Calle de los Perdones street and is easy to reach on foot from the Old City center.

Inside the church stands a wooden sculpture called Cristo de la Zarza carved from walnut and standing about 4 meters (12 feet) tall. This religious figure dates to the 12th century and shows the skilled craftsmanship of that era.

Location: Salamanca

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Part of: Old City of Salamanca

GPS coordinates: 40.96786,-5.66620

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:25