The Church of El Salvador

The Church of El Salvador ➜ the Heart of Nerja

⛪ The Church of El Salvador embodies the heart of Nerja as it stands protectively at the western end of the Balcon de Europa... enjoying sunny views down the coast of Granada.

Most days the church plaza is buzzing with activity as cheerful tourists enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of one of Andalucia’s prettiest villages. The weekends are even more jubilant as throngs of people come together in front of the church to celebrate the union of a happy couple, usually in an explosion of confetti and applause...

The church is one of many 'Top Sights' in Nerja.

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The Church of El Salvador ➜ Where is it?

You will find the Church of El Salvador between Plaza Cavana and the Paseo del Balcón de Europa in Nerja. It faces the Boquete de Calahonda, a large white rectangular structure adorned with colorful pots of Geraniums (and a focal point of the Balcón), that leads to Nerja's most photographed beach, Playa Calahonda.

Walking distances to nearby sites in Nerja:

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Opening Hours:

It is possible to visit the church most days between 10:00 and 14:00, unless there is a ceremony underway.

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The History of the El Salvador Church

The area around the Balcon and the Church of El Salvador has been a focal point in Nerja since the 1500's. The 'Castillo Bajo' or 'Lower Castle' was built during that period (at the end of the Balcon Promenade) and a Military Guard's Tower was erected where the church currently stands.

Years later, the tower was replaced with the first version of the Church of El Salvador which would have looked vastly different from the one we see today...

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El Salvador Church Facts:

• The Church of El Salvador in its current rendition was completed in 1697.

• The church's iconic bell tower was added in 1724.

• The church was expanded further towards the end of the 18th century (1776 to 1792).

• The most recent restoration took place in 1997, restoring some of the church's original features.

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The Church of El Salvador ➜ The Design

• The Church of El Salvador was built in the Baroque-Neoclassic style which flourished in Europe from the early 17th century.

• Neoclassic design is a style from the early Greeks and Romans, which invokes harmony, clarity and restraint. The major tenants of Neoclassicism are the use of symmetry, simplicity of line, form, and color and the use of science and mathematics.

• The interior of the Church of El Salvador is divided in three naves... separated by pillars and half point arches.

• The ceiling of the center nave (near the front of the church) has an ornamental wooden frame reminiscent of the Mudejar style that was also quite prevalent in Andalucia during the time of its construction.

• The Church of El Salvador is one of the few churches in the world that houses all three archangels: Gabriel, Raphael and Michael (who defeats Satan in the Apocalypse), they occupy the highest domains of the angelic hierarchy.

• The Archangel Saint Michael is especially important to Nerja because he is one of the towns patron saints. His image is carried through the village in mid-October during one of the biggest celebrations of the year... along with singing and dancing.

• Two other beautiful pieces you will find within the Church of El Salvador are the mural dedicated to the Incarnation painted by Francisco Hernandez and the Bronze Christ created by Aurelio Teno.

Other Nearby Sites:

• Balcon de Europa
• The Ermita de las Angustias
• The Nerja Markets
• The Nerja Caves
• The Eagle Aqueduct

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The Church of El Salvador ➜ Weddings

If you are considering a destination wedding along this sunny patch of the Costa del Sol... you are not alone. Nerja is one of the top destinations for magical seaside weddings and the Church of El Salvador is where it all happens.

If you want to hold your wedding in this church, plan ahead! There is a waiting list so call early and set your date!

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The Church of El Salvador ➜ Festivities

Like most of the villages in Andalucia, Nerja is packed with festive holidays that celebrate the towns patron saints and other important Catholic figures.

Nerja's most important celebrations are the Nerja Fair, the fiesta in honor of San Isidro and the Virgen del Carmen, and the Three Kings Parade... all of which start with processions from the Church of El Salvador and end in singing, dancing, eating, and drinking...

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The Church of El Salvador ➜ How to Arrive - Directions

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