Museo San Juan de Dios "Casa de los Pisa"

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The building was the residence of the Pisa family, prominent benefactors who sheltered Saint John of God during his final days.

2. 2

   The collection includes a significant series of paintings depicting the life and miracles of Saint John of God.

3. 3

   The museum houses a rare collection of 18th-century medical ceramics and apothecary vessels.

4. 4

   The interior patio retains its original layout, showcasing the structural design typical of Granada's noble houses from the late Gothic and Renaissance transition.

5. 5

   The site contains a collection of ivory crucifixes and liturgical vestments spanning several centuries.

Overview

The Museo San Juan de Dios is housed in the 15th-century Casa de los Pisa, the historical site where Saint John of God passed away in 1550. The museum preserves a collection of 16th to 20th-century religious art, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture. Visitors can explore the preserved room where the saint died, which has been maintained as a sanctuary. The museum also showcases an extensive collection of pharmacy jars and medicinal artifacts reflecting the order's history in healthcare. Its architecture features a traditional Andalusian central courtyard with intricate Mudejar-style wooden ceilings. The institution is managed by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. It serves as a repository for historical documents and personal relics associated with the founder of the Hospitaller Order.

Insider tips

• Visit the upstairs galleries first to appreciate the natural light in the traditional courtyard before heading into the darker, more climate-controlled relic rooms.

• Ask the staff about the specific history of the 'Casa de los Pisa' architecture to distinguish it from the religious artifacts housed within.

• Take time to observe the intricate Mudejar artesonado ceilings in the upper halls.