Parish Church of Sant Joan Baptista

The Historic Parish Heart of Son Servera

Centuries of Faith and Fortification

The Parish Church of Sant Joan Baptista is the spiritual centre of Son Servera, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Originally built as a small chapel, it was expanded and fortified during the late Middle Ages to protect the town against pirate raids. Its solid stone walls and sturdy bell tower reflect this dual role as both a place of worship and a defensive refuge for the community.

Architectural Character

Over the centuries, the church has been remodelled in several styles, creating a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical elements. The fortified tower remains its most striking feature, rising above the rooftops of the old town and offering a reminder of the region’s turbulent history. Inside, visitors discover a simpler atmosphere, with whitewashed walls, carved wooden altars, and devotional artworks dedicated to the church’s patron saint, Sant Joan Baptista.

Centre of Community Life

The parish continues to play a vital role in local life, hosting services, weddings, and traditional religious festivals throughout the year. Each 24th of June, the feast of Sant Joan Baptista is celebrated with lively processions, music, and cultural activities, turning the square outside into a hub of colour and sound. For visitors, this is the best time to experience the church as part of living tradition rather than just an historic building.

A Landmark Worth Visiting

Located just a short stroll from the Església Nova, the parish church provides a fascinating contrast: one completed and fortified, the other left open to the sky. Together they tell the story of Son Servera’s past, from its medieval roots to its early 20th-century ambitions. Whether you step inside to admire the architecture or simply pause in the square to admire its tower, the Parish Church of Sant Joan Baptista is a cornerstone of the town’s identity.