Church of Our Lady of Carmen and Saint Louis

The Church of Our Lady of Carmen and San Luis, located in the center of Madrid, is a historical and religious monument that reflects centuries of history and transformations. Founded as part of the Convent of San Dámaso y San Antón of the Calced Carmelites, its history began in the 16th century, precisely in 1573, under the patronage of Philip II and his trustee Jacobo Trenci, known as the Caballero de Gracia. The construction of the church, started in 1611, was entrusted to the architect Miguel de Soria. The church is an excellent example of Madrid Baroque architecture. Its facade, with elaborate decorative elements, reflects the influence of the post-Escorial style, characterized by simplicity and austerity of lines. Inside, the church has a Latin cross plan, with a large central nave, a wide transept, and an imposing dome above the crucifix. The side chapels, accessible through round arches, are closed by magnificent 17th-century wrought iron gates. One of the most remarkable elements of the church is the main altarpiece, in a classicist style, dating back to the 18th century. This imposing altar is framed by large neoclassical columns and houses a sculpture of the Virgin of Carmen, made by Juan Sánchez Barba in the 17th century. Above the altarpiece, there is a precious painting of the Holy Trinity, a work by the Madrid painter Antonio de Pereda. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous significant events. During the Napoleonic invasion in the early 19th century, the convent was looted and the monks were exiled. With the Desamortización of Mendizábal in 1836, the convent was closed and transformed into a parish. In 1910, the church was also dedicated to San Luis Obispo, uniting two devotions under one roof. The Spanish Civil War represented a dark period for the church. In March 1936, the temple was desecrated and many of its precious artworks were destroyed. However, the statue of the Virgin of Carmen, placed high up, was spared. After the war, the church underwent a major restoration to restore its original beauty. The interior of the church is enriched with numerous artworks. In addition to the main altarpiece, there are other chapels with altarpieces attributed to Sebastián de Benavente, which house sculptures and paintings of great value. Among these, the images of San Juan Nepomuceno and San Simón Stock, dating back to the 18th century, stand out, as well as a modern statue of the Virgen del Carmen created by the artist Francisco Palma Burgos in the 20th century. An interesting anecdote concerns the church’s relationship with the Hermandad de los Gitanos. Since 2010, the church has hosted this brotherhood, which celebrates its devotions and processions there, further enriching the religious and cultural life of the temple.