The Missing Half of Juana la Loca’s Story—And Her Surprising Connection to Jávea

The story of Juana la Loca is one of power, betrayal, and suffering, and it extends far beyond the passionate heartbreak depicted in the film. 

While Juana la Loca the movie may have won awards for its portrayal of her early years, the true depth of her tragedy remains largely untold. 

And for those walking through the quiet streets of Jávea, admiring its medieval structures, few would suspect that the very people who built them played a pivotal role in one of Spain’s most heartbreaking royal captivities.

The 2001 Spanish historical drama Juana la Loca captivated audiences with its passionate portrayal of Queen Juana I of Castile, often remembered as “Juana la Loca” (Juana the Mad). 

The film, directed by Vicente Aranda, won numerous awards and brought to life the early, tormented years of Juana’s existence—her intense love for Philip the Handsome, the betrayals that surrounded her, and the political struggles that marked her reign. 

However, despite its dramatic success, the movie tells only half the story. It ends with Juana’s forced imprisonment, but it does not explore the long, agonizing decades that followed—a period of suffering that lasted far longer than her turbulent marriage.

Award Winning Film - Juana la Loca (2001) Español - English Subtitles

Don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty of Spanish history, culture, and romance on a big screen. Historian Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons) will be on hand to give insights and answer any questions!

When - Friday, March 28, 2025
Time - 5pm - 7pm
Location - Benitachell Properties (Boardroom) opposite Sabadell Bank
Fee: Donation 5 euros
BOOKING FORM - Click Here

ABOUT

Juana la Loca (2001), directed by Vicente Aranda, is a gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and political intrigue, based on the dramatic life of Queen Joanna of Castile. Her obsessive love for Philip the Handsome leads to emotional turmoil amidst the power struggles of 16th-century Spain.

With stunning period costumes and breathtaking landscapes—from medieval castles to grand halls—this film transports viewers into Spain's rich cultural and historical past. A must-see for lovers of historical romance, royal intrigue, and Spain’s captivating beauty.

Goya Awards (2002): Best Actress: Pilar López de Ayala, Best Costume Design: Javier Artiñano, Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Miguel Sesé and Mercedes Guillot

REVIEW. 

**Joan the Mad / Juana la Loca**  

This is a film to be savored. Settle in and allow yourself to be transported to the world of 16th-century Spain, where every visual detail is a feast for the senses.  Karla explained all details that really helped put the storyteller into perspective. 

Watching this film was like opening a jewel box filled with treasures. From the exquisite red leather gloves to the richly embroidered gold and burgundy brocades, the luxurious fur trims, and the delicate drop pearl earrings, every element is a masterpiece. 

The opulent colour palette flows seamlessly throughout the film, creating a rich and immersive experience. Even the Andalusian horses, with their ornate saddles, move with a regal elegance as they rein up to a prancing halt.  

The cinematography is equally breathtaking. Interior scenes, whether set within the castle chambers or aboard the galleon where Joan and her mother share a poignant farewell before her departure to Flanders, are captured with striking contrasts of light and shadow. The dramatic lighting evokes the depth and intensity of classic paintings, perhaps even those found in the Prado.  

The story is deeply rooted in its historical setting. It begins gently but soon gathers momentum, becoming utterly captivating. The plot offers everything one could desire in a compelling film—intrigue, romance, betrayal, and deception. The narrator provides a guiding voice, seamlessly linking scenes and reminding the audience that this whirlwind of drama is based on real events in Spain’s monarchy.  

Philip of Habsburg, with his wild mane of hair, chiseled jaw, tight-fitting pants, and oversized codpiece, looks more like a heavy-metal rock star than a prince. If he were on stage, he could easily be mistaken for a guitarist from Whitesnake or Scorpions. My only complaint about the film is that the bedroom scenes are far too restrained. One has to rely on imagination, but I suspect Philip had much more to offer than what we were shown.  

As for Juana—was she truly mad, driven to madness, or simply madly in love? That is a question worth debating over tapas. I won’t reveal more, but kissing a decayed, rotting skull might just be a clue...

- Rhona 

Special Screening of El Cid (1961) with Expert Insights!

JÁVEA Historical WALK

Explore and Learn About JÁVEA by visiting its historical architecture and monuments with Arts Historian, Educator & Author - Karla Ingleton Darocas, B. A. (Hons) 

  BOOKING INFO & FORM

Spanish Historical Romanticism Painting - Mon.24 FEB. 2025 - 5pm

Monday, 24 February, 2025

17:00 H (5pm)

Benitachell Properties

Calle Padre Placido 57

Donation of 10 euros

ABOUT

This class will provide participants with a deep understanding of how Spanish Historical Romanticism combined history, emotion, and politics to create powerful, enduring works of art. 

Through an exploration of key artists, themes, techniques, and socio-political influences, attendees will develop a nuanced appreciation of this influential movement. 

The talk includes slides of representative artworks, allowing for an engaging visual analysis of Spain’s most dramatic historical paintings by arts historian - Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons) 

Author of PRIDE & PASSION AT THE PRADO - Spain's Seven Most Famous Historical Romantic Stories & the Artists Who Immortalised Them -  click here to learn more about this book!

Before You Attend Class - READ This! 

Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting

Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting

Spanish Romanticism in painting, emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a response to political upheaval, national identity struggles, and evolving artistic influences from Europe. Unlike the structured realism and compositions of Neoclassicism, Romanticism embraced emotion, drama, and individuality, often highlighting Spain’s historical past, cultural traditions, and exoticism. 

Several distinct movements developed, each reflecting different aspects of Spanish Romanticism.

Rococo

Immersive Journey into the Rise and Fall of Rococo in Spain! 

Step into the splendor of 18th-century Spain as we explore the captivating rise and dramatic fall of the Rococo style. 

José de Ribera - 27 Jan, 2025. 5pm

Paris is currently celebrating José de Ribera (1591–1652), the late Renaissance and early Baroque master, with an extraordinary exhibition of over 100 paintings dedicated to the Valencian painter, who was born in Xàtiva. This celebration of Ribera's work offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore his legacy, and I have decided to do the same in an inspirational talk about his remarkable art. Ribera’s paintings are relatively easy to understand within the framework of the Baroque era. This was a time when the Catholic Church used art as a powerful form of propaganda, reminding people of the suffering of saints at the hands of the Romans to reinforce faith and counter the Protestant threat.  

What I love about José de Ribera is not only his mastery of Caravaggio’s dramatic style but also his unique position as a painter outside the confines of a royal court. Unlike court painters who were often restricted to royal portraits, Ribera worked under the Spanish rulers of Naples, which allowed him to explore a wide range of subjects. His repertoire extends beyond tortured saints to some of the most unusual and compelling paintings, often with fascinating stories rooted in Spanish history.

Franciscan Convent of Benissa is a Cherished Renaissance Landmark

Thank Goodness the Franciscan Convent of Benissa Was Not Turned Into a Hotel

Preserving the historical and architectural heritage of the Franciscan Convent in Benissa was a relief to many locals and history enthusiasts alike. Plans announced in 1917 to transform this storied convent into a hotel were met with mixed emotions, as the proposal risked altering the character of one of Benissa's most iconic landmarks. Instead, the convent remains a treasure of cultural and spiritual significance, even as its use evolves to accommodate modern realities.

Architectural Features of the Convent

Felipe II (1527–1598) The Renaissance King with a Big Ego & Painful Death

Imagine a man so convinced of his divine right to rule that he believed his kingdom wasn’t just vast—it was illuminated 24/7 by the sun itself. Enter Felipe II of Spain, the ultimate monarch with a cosmic-sized ego to match his colossal empire. Born in 1527, Felipe wasn’t just any king; he was the king—God’s personal pick to manage the affairs of the mortal world. And he had every reason to think so, with a résumé so glittering it could outshine the treasures of the Americas (which he also happened to own).