Church of Saint Anthony

The Church of San Antón, located in the lively neighborhood of Chueca in Madrid, is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture, enriched by a rich and complex history that reflects the cultural and social transformations of the city. Originally built as part of the Escuelas Pías, the church was founded in the 18th century and designed by the architect Pedro de Ribera. The church, also known as Real Iglesia de San Antón or Real Iglesia de las Escuelas Pías de San Antón, is a monument that has withstood numerous changes over the centuries. The architecture of the church is a distinctive example of Madrid Baroque, characterized by elaborate decorations and a visually rich style. The main facade, facing the narrow Calle de Hortaleza, is divided into three entrances, with the central one larger than the other two. The side doors display the coats of arms of the Antonian and Piarist orders, orders that managed the temple. The facade is topped by two asymmetrical towers, one of which houses an ancient clock. Inside, the church houses numerous valuable works of art. Among these, a faithful copy of Francisco de Goya’s painting “La última comunión de San José de Calasanz,” whose original is kept in the Calasancio Museum in Madrid. Additionally, the 1824 organ and one of the oldest clocks in Madrid are among the treasures that enrich the interior of the temple. The church also houses the relics of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, whose bones were donated by Pope Charles IV at the end of the 18th century. A particularly fascinating anecdote concerns the celebrations on January 17, the feast day of Saint Anthony the Abbot, patron saint of animals. On this occasion, the church becomes the center of festivities where residents bring their pets to receive the saint’s blessing, a tradition dating back to the 18th century and still deeply felt by the people of Madrid. During the Napoleonic period, the church and schools were confiscated and closed, only to reopen as the parish of San Ildefonso in 1814. In the early decades of the 19th century, the building underwent significant modifications under the direction of architect Francisco de Rivas, who reduced the original Baroque character to give it a more neoclassical appearance. This transformation was necessary to adapt the church and college to a more modern use, reflecting the architectural and stylistic changes of the time. A new phase of the church’s history began in 2015 when it was entrusted to the Mensajeros de la Paz foundation, led by Father Ángel García Rodríguez. Since then, the church has become a 24-hour open shelter for the most needy, transforming into a true “field hospital,” as affectionately defined by Pope Francis.