The oldest church in all of Spain: it is 14 centuries old and has been preserved intact since the fall of the Roman Empire

In Spain we can boast of having a cultural heritage that is “of the oldest.” After 14 centuries, this church not only still stands but is in perfect condition.

Although there are many religious temples from different periods that exist throughout Spain, only one has the privilege of being able to say that it is the oldest still standing. This is the Basilica of San Juan de Baños, located in the urban area of ​​the town of Baños de Cerrato, about seven kilometers from Palencia.

Declared a National Monument in 1897, it is the most significant building of the religious architecture of the Hispano-Visigoth kingdom. This is because it represents the fusion of the Visigothic culture (of Germanic origin) within Roman Hispania.

Now you surely understand why it is considered the oldest standing church in Spain. Although over the last thirteen centuries the basilica has undergone numerous modifications and reconstructions, it was built and consecrated in the year 661. This is attested to by the tombstone preserved in the triumphal arch of the temple, and its construction is linked to the Visigoth monarch Recesvinto.

According to tradition, as he managed to alleviate his nephritic problems in the waters of the local spring, Recesvinto decided to consecrate a temple to Saint John the Baptist in gratitude.

Palencia Tourism

For the construction of the interior, remains of Roman buildings in the area were reused. Like, for example, the capitals and shafts of the columns. The original chancel was shaped like a trident with three chapels separated from each other by intermediate spaces. However, this was modified in the 14th century, when the intermediate spaces were converted into two new chapels, which gave rise to a chancel with five spaces.

Furthermore, over time, the outermost walls also disappeared, giving rise to the current structure. It must also be taken into account that, of all the capitals, only one of them is authentic Roman Corinthian, while the rest were made in the Visigothic period.

Of course, once you are in the town to see this important stop for religious tourism in Spain, it doesn't hurt to take a walk around the area to enjoy the typical landscape of El Cerrato in Palencia.

And if the visit occurs around June 24, you are interested in staying for the celebration of the Mozarabic Visigothic Hispanic rite, a festival with a long tradition and history that is celebrated annually within the Festival of San Juan Bautista.

Cover photo | Palencia Tourism