San Juan Church

After losing one of the bloodiest battles of the 15th century, the Muslims of the Nasrid dynasty, the final Muslim dynasty to rule over the Iberian peninsula, saw no other option than to surrender to the Catholic monarchs. This religious structure is one of four churches that were built following the city’s invasion and change of power in 1487. After an earthquake in 1680, the San Juan parish was severely damaged, and underwent renovations and other structural changes. For instance, the main entrance was moved to the narrow tower, which still leads to the lateral nave instead of the central one. It wasn’t until 1988 that a second entrance was installed on the left side, making way for a larger and more traditional door. It also allowed for easier passage of the church’s thrones to be moved in and out during processions, which take place each year in Málaga during Holy Week in April.