Church of Our Lady of Montserrat

The Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, located at number 79 Calle San Bernardo in Madrid, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture that tells a story of faith, resilience, and transformations through the centuries. Founded in 1640 by King Philip IV, the church was intended for the Benedictine monks of Montserrat, who were expelled from their monastery in Catalonia during the Catalan Revolt. The original project was entrusted to the architect Sebastián Herrera Barnuevo, who began construction in 1668. After his death, the project was continued by Pedro de Ribera, known for his Churrigueresque style, who designed the tower and facade in 1716. Although work stopped in 1720, leaving the building incomplete, the church remains a testament to the architectural ambition of the Spanish Baroque period. The facade of the church is imposing and richly decorated, a typical example of Ribera’s Churrigueresque style, characterized by elaborate and dynamic ornaments. Despite the lack of the second tower, the existing structure impresses with its height and the complexity of the sculptural details. The interior of the church, although partially completed, offers a sense of grandeur with its high naves and artistic decorations. During the 19th century, the church and monastery underwent significant changes due to political reforms. In 1835, with the Desamortización de Mendizábal, which involved the confiscation of ecclesiastical property, the monastery was closed and converted into a women’s prison, known as the “Casa Galera.” Subsequently, parts of the monastery were assigned to the Conceptionist nuns until 1868, when they were expelled. Only in 1918 was the church returned to the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, who reopened the north nave for worship in 1922 and the entire church in 1928. The Spanish Civil War abruptly interrupted the life of the monastery. The church was transformed into a dance hall by the Frente Popular, and many monks were persecuted; some lost their lives, while others managed to escape by seeking refuge with friendly families. After the war, the monks returned and continued their spiritual work and restoration. One of the most interesting aspects of the church is its rich artistic collection. Among the notable works are a large anonymous painting from the 18th century, depicting a curious iconography of the Immaculate Conception, and a sculpture of the titular Virgin attributed to Manuel Pereira. Next to the statue of the Virgin is a copy of the Christ of Burgos, a popular 18th-century sculpture with curious details such as ostrich eggs at the feet, gifts from a wealthy American merchant. The ceiling paintings, depicting the stories of the life of St. Benedict, were created by Pedro de Calabria in the early 18th century. A particularly fascinating anecdote concerns the ancient custom of ringing the bells every evening in memory of Philip IV, the founder of the monastery, a gesture symbolizing the monks’ devotion to their benefactor. This tradition ceased many years ago, but remains a reminder of the historical connection between the church and the Spanish monarchy.