Church of San Girolamo il Reale

The Church of San Jerónimo el Real, located in the Retiro district of Madrid, is a monument of extraordinary historical and artistic importance. Affectionately known as “Los Jerónimos,” the church has deep roots dating back to the 15th century and has played a fundamental role in the religious and political life of Spain. The origins of the church date back to 1503, when the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, decided to found a monastery for the Hieronymite monks. This monastery was built in Isabelline Gothic style, a variant of the flamboyant Gothic typical of Spain that combines Gothic elements with Renaissance and Mudéjar influences. Located on the outskirts of the city at the time, the original complex included not only the church but also a large monastery. Over the centuries, the Church of San Jerónimo el Real has undergone numerous modifications and restorations that have changed its architectural appearance. One of the most significant transformations took place in the 19th century, when the interior of the church was completely renovated after being damaged during the War of Independence against the Napoleonic army. During this period, the architect Narciso Pascual Colomer introduced Neo-Gothic elements, giving the church a more modern appearance while maintaining its historical character. The church has played a central role in the life of the Spanish royal family. From 1528 to 1833, San Jerónimo el Real was the place where the heirs to the throne swore as Princes of Asturias. This tradition highlights the symbolic and political importance of the church in the context of the Spanish monarchy. Additionally, the church has hosted important historical events, such as the marriage of King Alfonso XIII to Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg in 1906, for which the monumental access staircase was built. Another significant historical event was the proclamation of King Juan Carlos I in 1975, after the death of dictator Francisco Franco. This event marked the beginning of the Spanish transition to democracy, with the Church of San Jerónimo el Real serving as the backdrop to a crucial moment in Spanish contemporary history. From an artistic point of view, the church houses several valuable works. Among these stands out the “Christ of Good Death,” an 18th-century sculpture by Juan Pascual de Mena, originally from the demolished church of Santa Cruz. Inside the church is also a large 19th-century painting, “The Last Communion of San Jerónimo,” created by Rafael Tejeo on commission from King Consort Francisco de Asís. This painting, inspired by a work by Domenichino, is one of the largest in Madrid churches, with impressive dimensions of nine meters by four. The monastery cloister, originally built in the 16th century in Renaissance style, was renovated and incorporated into the Prado Museum during its expansion designed by architect Rafael Moneo in the early 21st century. This intervention has allowed to preserve and enhance one of the oldest and most significant elements of the monastic complex, now known as the “Moneo Cube.” An interesting anecdote concerns the figure of Alfonso XIII, who significantly contributed to the restructuring of the church. The deeply devout king wanted the church to maintain its original splendor and personally financed many of the restoration works. This personal bond between the monarchy and the church further strengthens the importance of San Jerónimo el Real in Spanish history.