Church of San Julián, Cañete

The Navarro Galve brothers’ college

In 1617 two brothers from Cañete, the Navarro Galves, founded the Colegio-Seminario de San Julián, where grammar and Latin were taught alongside religion. The main building, on the Plaza Mayor, is now the town hall; the church was its chapel.

A doorway commanding the square

The doorway was conceived as a stage set dominating the Plaza Mayor, although the church is small. It uses the giant order, something rare in the province: two Doric pilasters support a broken pediment and frame an arch with an image of St Julian, Cuenca’s second bishop and patron of the diocese, and the founders’ coats of arms. Above is a solid, almost cubic upper section, rather roughly made.

Inside is a small Latin-cross plan, with barrel vaults and a dome: a confined but well-proportioned space.

From storehouse to hall

It stood derelict and damp, used as a storehouse. It was fully restored a few years ago and now hosts cultural events.

Plan your visit

Combine with

The church of Santiago and the rest of the walled old town.