The church of San Antón and Semana Santa museum in Jumilla

The building now housing the Semana Santa Museum was completed in 1611

The small church of San Antón was built in 1611 on the outskirts of the town, and as the growth of Jumilla is naturally limited by the dry river bed on the west it is still on the edge of the built-up area.

The baroque features of the building include the dome and the windows, and after it was last restored in 2002 the building was loaned to the brotherhoods who take part in the Easter Week processions of Jumilla. It is now home to the Museo de Semana Santa, and contains a range of images, standards, costumes and sculptures which are associated with the Easter festivities.

Originally the exterior of the church was far more ornate, but these elements of the façade were demolished during a previous restoration. However, the interior retains many adornments in the plasterwork, and the Cross of San Antón and the coat of arms of Carlos III can still be seen. The cross of the Saint can be seen on the four corners at the base of the dome and there is also a royal coat of arms with the Order of the Toisón de Oro (the Golden Fleece).

With over 600 years of recorded history the Semana Santa celebrations in Jumilla are among the oldest in the Region of Murcia, and have been awarded National Tourist Interest status.

The museum is normally open to the public only at weekends (Saturday 18.00 to 20.00, Sunday 11.00 to 13.30), although special visits can be made by prior arrangement (telephone 968 780424 or 968 782740).

Address: Calle de San Antón, 30520 Jumilla (click for location)

For more information about visiting Jumilla, including what's on, local news and all of the bodegas on the Jumilla wine route, visit the home page of Jumilla Today.