There is much more to Benidorm than beaches, skyscrapers, and nightlife: in its old town, you can find a different side of the city, with narrow streets and a viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean where the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is located. This is one of Benidorm’s most important buildings and has a very recognizable image. Situated between Levante and Poniente beaches, this church stands at the highest point of the area, and its white silhouette is a distinctive landmark of the city.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Benidorm, visiting the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is a great choice. In this article, we tell you more about this place of worship and give you some recommendations for your next visit to this fantastic city on the Costa Blanca.
History and Architecture of the Church
It is not known exactly what the original temple erected on this site was like, but the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana that can be seen today was built around 1740, during the 18th century. The building is dedicated to the Virgen del Sufragio, the patron saint of Benidorm. It is said that its construction was decided after an image of the Virgin appeared on a boat drifting at sea. The townspeople, considering this event a miracle, became devotees and proclaimed the Virgen del Sufragio as the patron saint of Benidorm.
It is a building of great architectural beauty, with blue tiles and a white facade with yellow outlines. Inside, its simplicity is very attractive, with the main altar and chapels offering a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are not many examples of traditional architecture left on the Costa Blanca coast, and the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana in Benidorm is one of them.
Location in Benidorm’s Old Town
The Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is located in a privileged area of Benidorm’s old town, in Plaça de Castelar. From here, we can reach the Balcón del Mediterráneo and the Levante and Poniente beaches in just a few steps. One of the best things to do in Benidorm is to explore its historic center on foot, which also allows you to visit this religious monument. Without a doubt, it is a place that deserves a pause to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Opening Hours of the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana
You can visit the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana in Benidorm every day, but hours may vary depending on the time of year and possible celebrations. Masses are held on Sunday mornings and evenings, and during the week, you can attend a daily evening mass. If you visit in the summer, there will be additional masses so that all parishioners and visitors can participate.
Keep in mind that on the most important religious dates, such as Christmas, the patron saint festivals, or Easter (Semana Santa), various ceremonies and events are held that may prevent a standard visit. If you are interested in timing your visit with a mass or a specific celebration, we recommend checking the schedules through official sources.
What to See Around the Parish
Visiting the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana means you are in Benidorm, one of the most interesting cities on the Costa Blanca, and you will be able to visit other places and enjoy various activities. To start, just a few meters from the church, you will find the famous “Balcón del Mediterráneo,” a spectacular viewpoint that allows us to enjoy views of the sea and Benidorm’s beaches.
In the streets leading from the church toward the heart of the old town—perfect for strolling and getting lost—you will find several bars and restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine or simply have a good time. Walking a bit further, we find the Port of Benidorm, the ideal place to start different boat excursions: a private sunset party or a visit to Benidorm Island are the most popular options.
Cultural Importance for Benidorm
The Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is a religious building of great importance to the city of Benidorm. The Fiestas Mayores Patronales are a clear example of the devotion of the locals, who make offerings, participate in processions, and attend various religious acts in honor of the Virgen del Sufragio. These are moments of great emotion and excitement, centered around a monument whose bell tower was once the most prominent point in Benidorm.
Visit the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana in Benidorm
Set aside some of your time to visit the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana during your next trip to the Costa Blanca. Its central location puts you just a few meters from the beaches, so you won’t have to travel far to enjoy this historic site. It is a space of tranquility in a city famous for its atmosphere, a change of pace that we so often need during vacation. Take the opportunity to wander through the small streets of the old town and enjoy the views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo.
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