Church of El Salvador

The Parish of El Salvador is the main church in the town of Nerja. Built in the heart of Nerja. Located on Iglesia Street, between Plaza Cavana and Paseo del Balcón de Europa . Next to the access to El Salón beach . Close to this point you will also find both the Town Hall and the Nerja Tourist Office. You can enjoy all the essential services thanks to its magnificent location. In fact, it is less than a kilometer away from the Nerja Bus Station. After a ten minute walk you will find yourself in front of this wonderful parish. From here we recommend you walk one of the most emblematic streets of Nerja to contemplate the true essence of the town: Calle Pintada.

It should be noted that one of the symbols of Nerja , as its inhabitants consider it, is located very close to the Church of El Salvador: A great centennial araucaria from South America. This tree known as “Cerote” has accompanied the parish since the 1850s. This eight meter symbol will allow you to find the Church very easily.

The parish of El Salvador is a work of academic baroque style belonging to the 16th century. Its construction began in 1505. The works ended in 1697. Although it was in 1724 when the complex was completed. Once the bell tower was attached, the construction of this parish was finished. Later it was enlarged in order to build the transept and the main high at the end of the 18th century. Despite this, over the years it has undergone numerous reforms. Mainly highlighting the one from 1997. After this last restoration, many tourists enjoy its current image.

We are facing a work of great historical and patrimonial value for the town of Nerja. Worldwide, it is one of the only Christian buildings that preserves altars in honor of the three Archangels: Saint Raphael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Michael. The latter being the patron of Nerja.

Regarding its facade, we must highlight the tower that presides over it. The tower with a square base houses the bell tower with the orthogonal shape characteristic of the parish.

The parish is divided into three naves separated from each other by semicircular arches. The main nave is located in the center. On it rests a rectangular-shaped armor made mainly of wood. Specifically we are talking about an armor faithful to the bordón file style. It should be noted its extraordinary conservation .

The aisles are topped by groin vaults and barrel vaults. The first ones in the sections of the beginning and the last ones we observe them in the cruise. The transept has a hemispherical dome that adds depth to the construction.

Without a doubt, the warehouses that make up the parish are spacious and bright. Therefore, it has a unique charm .

Because the Church is located in an emblematic point of Nerja, its access is only pedestrianized. You can usually visit it outside of worship hours with free admission . In the same way you can visit the Parish of San Miguel . Located less than a kilometer away from El Salvador Parish.