# San Juan de Dios Museum

The Museum of the Church of San Juan de Dios in Murcia, Region of Murcia, Spain, is one of the locations of the Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia (MUBAM). It houses an important collection of religious imagery from the 15th to the 20th century. The former church, dating from the 18th century, is located near the Cathedral of Murcia, in a traditional square in the historic center of the city. The church was part of the hospital complex of San Juan de Dios, which was previously a Templar hospital, and originally the citadel of the Alcázar, whose valuable remains are exhibited in the underground area.

## History of the Building
### The Alcázar Mayor of Murcia

Traditional historiography (later confirmed through archaeological excavations) already suggested the existence in Al-Andalus of a vast palatial-military complex or citadel (qasaba) in this area of the city. Within its walls stood both the palace or official residence for the monarch or governor (qasr) and a small oratory, baths, and a rawda or pantheon, as well as other buildings linked to the court.
Following the signing of the Treaty of Alcaraz in 1243, the city of Murcia and its kingdom became a protectorate of the Crown of Castile. As a result, Prince Alfonso (future Alfonso X) entered the city on May 1 of that year, taking possession of the Alcázar Mayor. Meanwhile, the Muslim royal family members, who were still nominally "kings of Murcia," relocated to the Al Qasr al-Sagir (Alcázar Menor) in the Arrixaca suburb.
According to tradition, it was at this time that within the Alcázar Mayor complex, the first Christian temple in the city was established, predating the current church. It was built over the oratory of the Alcázar, the remains of which are found underground. This complex was later granted by James I of Aragon to the adelantado mayor of Murcia, Alfonso García de Villamayor, after the Aragonese king suppressed the Mudejar revolt of 1264-1266. This marked the end of the protectorate and the application of the right of conquest over the city.
However, another dating of the church's origin is based on medieval documentation. A royal charter from 1277 states that Alfonso X had already ordered the construction of a church in the "alcaçar," possibly where a priest from different Murcia parishes celebrated mass every Saturday as early as 1272.
In his will, Alfonso X explicitly stated his wish to be buried in this monastery, though he also mentioned that if this were not possible, his entrails should be removed and sent there. Ultimately, both his entrails and heart were interred in the church.

## From Alcázar to Templar Hospital

The Templars later took over the temple and installed a hospital on part of the site, initiating continuous healthcare activity on this land from the 14th century onwards. This became the most important hospital institution in the city until the mid-20th century.
After the dissolution of the Templar Order in 1314, the Order of Calatrava assumed control of the Alcázar, the church, and the hospital. Over time, the fortress lost its strategic function, leading Henry III of Castile to order the construction of a new fortification further west at the beginning of the 15th century.

## The Church and Museum

The current church was built between 1764 and 1781, replacing the earlier structure. It is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture designed by Martín Solera. The church was later desacralized and transformed into a museum displaying religious sculptures from the 15th to 19th centuries, as well as works by Juan González Moreno. It also preserves archaeological remains of the Muslim Alcázar in its underground section.

## Architecture

The church features an unusual elliptical plan, designed to function as a grand shrine for the Eucharist. The interior decoration is characterized by rich Rococo ornamentation, with eight pillars supporting the roof and six chapels arranged radially. The facade includes two square-based towers with Baroque and Rococo elements, showing influences from Bernini's San Andrea al Quirinale in Rome.

## Museum Sections

The Church: Houses religious sculptures from the 15th to 18th centuries, including works by Francisco Salzillo.
The Juan González Moreno Collection: Showcased in the choir and ambulatory, this collection was donated by the artist in 1996.
The Muslim Alcázar: Features a preserved section of the original Alcázar, including the mihrab and tombs from the 12th century.