Church of San Juan de Ávila, Parish church in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
The church of San Juan de Ávila is a parish building in Alcalá de Henares featuring remarkable modern architecture. Its interior displays undulating brick walls that flow seamlessly into vaulted ceilings, creating a continuous upward movement throughout the space.
Uruguayan architect Eladio Dieste designed the building in the 1990s, employing his innovative ceramic-vault technique. The church opened in 1998, marking the completion of an ambitious construction project for the community.
The church stands out for its fluid architectural forms that create an unusual spatial experience inside. Visitors immediately sense how the curved walls and flowing design guide their attention upward throughout the interior.
Access is straightforward, but visitors should note that the church is not always open to the public. It is advisable to check ahead or visit during parish office hours to ensure entry.
The structure requires no supporting pillars, as Dieste employed a special system of ceramic and iron that allows the walls to curve freely. This technical solution creates an unobstructed interior that visitors notice immediately upon entering.
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