Church of San Ginés

The Church of San Ginés, located on Calle Arenal in the heart of Madrid, is one of the oldest churches in the city, with a history dating back to at least the 9th century. Dedicated to San Ginés de Arlés, patron saint of notaries and secretaries, this church has undergone numerous transformations and restorations over the centuries, becoming a point of reference both religiously and culturally. The current building, reconstructed in its current form in 1645, stands on a site that has housed places of worship since medieval times, when there was a Mozarabic chapel here. In the 17th century, the church was rebuilt in a Baroque style under the direction of architect Juan Ruiz, with subsequent contributions from Lorenzo de San Nicolás. This restoration became necessary due to a ground collapse in 1642. The exterior, dominated by a facade rebuilt in 1870 by José María Aguilar after a fire, is simple yet imposing, with a tower bell that is one of the most recognizable elements of the structure. Inside, the church has a Latin cross plan with a central nave and two side aisles separated by round arches. The side chapels are richly decorated and house a series of valuable works of art. Among these, stands out “The Purification of the Temple” by El Greco, also known as “The Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple”. This painting, considered one of the masterpieces of the Cretan master, can be admired in the church at specific times. Other prominent artists who have contributed to the decoration of the church include Alonso Cano, with his “Christ of Humility”, and Francisco Rizi, author of the “Martyrdom of San Ginés de Arlés”. The chapel of the Santísimo Cristo de la Redención, begun in 1651 under the direction of Juan Ruiz and completed in 1659, is another architectural gem, characterized by a Latin cross plan and a dome decorated with frescoes by José Sánchez Villamandos. Throughout its history, the church has suffered three significant fires: two in the 18th century and one in 1824. The latter was particularly devastating, requiring a major reconstruction effort led by Juan Antonio Cuervo, which was completed in 1826. After the Spanish Civil War, further restorations were necessary to repair the damage. A curious element that can be found inside the church is a mummified crocodile, said to have been brought from the Americas during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. This exotic object adds a touch of mystery and charm to the church’s history, making it even more interesting for visitors.