Davallament de Sant Joan de les Abadesses, Sculpture

The Davallament de Sant Joan de les Abadesses is a wooden sculpture from 1251 showing the moment when Jesus is taken down from the cross. Seven life-sized figures are carved with careful detail, including Jesus at the center, Mary and John on either side, and the men who helped remove him.

The sculpture was created around 1251 and later consecrated with relics placed on the head and shoulders of Christ's figure. The name Santissim Misteri became popular in 1426 after bread was discovered inside an opening in Christ's head.

The name Santíssim Misteri spread from 17 July 1426, when abbot Arnau de Vilalba showed the people the incorrupt host found in the forehead of the Christ, 175 years after it was placed there. The finding is still commemorated: on 17 July 2026 a mass was read with the act that testifies to the discovery, and goigs were sung.

The sculpture sits in its original location within the church apse and remains easily visible to visitors. The work has been carefully maintained so that the medieval carving details remain clear and distinct for viewing.

One unusual feature of this sculpture is the inclusion of the good thief figure at the side of Jesus. This is rare for this type of work in the region, as thieves are not normally included in descent scenes.