The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista dominates the beautiful old-town of Arucas in the North of Gran Canaria.

Often erroneously referred to as the 'Basilica of Arucas' due to its scale, the Church of John the Baptist is not actually a cathedral.

The original parish Church on the site dated back to 1515, but as the town boomed due to sugarcane and cochineal production, it was deemed too small for the growing Catholic congregation.

In 1909 the church was begun. Designed by Manuel Vega i March (1871 - 1931), a student of Antonio Gaudi, the neo-gothic style is reminiscent of churches in Barcelona.

The magnificent building uses local black basalt stone and was constructed by local artisans. Most of the work was done entirely by hand.

The doors, windows, and statuary were designed and made by some of Spain's finest craftsmen. The stained glass is also of a very fine quality, the Rose Window dominates the upper part of the church.

The building was finished in 1977 and admission is free to visitors.

Various statues and artworks surround the church. There is
also the Parque Municipal across the square which is a beautifully landscaped little park providing scented walks beneath the jacaranda trees. Arucas is known locally as the 'town of stone and flowers.'

Wherever you wander through the quaint, narrow, streets of the old town, the imposing church can be seen over the rooftops.

Arucas is also known for the rum factory, but even this industrial complex is overshadowed by the sheer scale of the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista.

This lovely little town with an oversized but beautiful church is well worth a visit if you're holidaying on Gran Canaria.

FWR

29.05.23 Front Page

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