Church of San Nicola dei Serviti

The Church of San Nicolás de los Servitas, also known as the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, is the oldest church in Madrid still in existence. Located in Plaza de San Nicolás, this church represents a true journey through time, a tangible connection between Madrid’s medieval past and present. The history of the church dates back to the 12th century, with its first documented mention in the “Fuero de Madrid” of 1202. This ancient legal document attested to the importance of the church as one of the main parishes in the city. The original structure, built in Mudéjar style, reflects The Church of San Nicolás de los Servitas, also known as the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, represents one of the oldest and most fascinating testimonies of Madrid’s history. Located in Plaza de San Nicolás, this church is a true architectural gem that embodies centuries of history, transformations, and devotion. Founded in the 12th century, the church is already mentioned in the “Fuero de Madrid” of 1202, one of the oldest legal documents regulating city life. This attests to the church’s importance since medieval times, when it served as one of the main parishes in the city. The original structure was in Mudéjar style, an architecture that combines Christian and Muslim elements, typical of the time of the Reconquista. One of the most distinctive elements of the church is its Mudéjar tower, dating back to the 12th century and considered one of the oldest remains in Madrid. The tower is formed by three cubic sections, each decorated with blind arches of different designs. This architectural style suggests that the tower may have been part of a previous mosque, although there is no definitive evidence. The first level of the tower is only visible from inside the church and is decorated with three-lobed blind arches. The second level features five-lobed arches separated by thin marble columns, while the third level has simple horseshoe arches supported by columns. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous modifications and restorations. The main body of the church dates back to a major restructuring in the 17th century, during which side chapels and parish rooms were added. The main façade, finished in granite with elaborate Baroque moldings, dates back to the 18th century and includes a sculpture of San Nicolás by Luis Salvador Carmona. Another notable feature of the church is the apse, built in the 15th century with quarry stone from the areas of El Molar or Torrelaguna. This, together with the beautiful Mudéjar wooden ceiling adorning the central nave and the Gothic vault of the apse, creates an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty and tranquility. The church has had a tumultuous history, especially in the 19th century, when the parish was suppressed in 1806 due to structural decay and lack of faithful. The building was then used as a military warehouse during the French occupation of Madrid. It was only in 1825, under the reign of Ferdinand VII, that the church was handed over to the Servites, a religious order that restored its worship and decoration, from which it derives its current name of San Nicolás de los Servitas. The church is also known as the “church of the Italians,” as it became the parish of the Italian community residing in Madrid. Sunday and holiday masses are celebrated in Italian, maintaining a strong cultural and religious bond with the Italian community. Inside, the church houses several valuable works of art. The chapel of San Nicolás, with its oval dome, and the chapel of the Santo Cristo de Burgos are particularly noteworthy. Additionally, the church is linked to important historical figures. Alonso de Ercilla, the author of the famous epic poem “La Araucana,” was baptized here in 1533. Juan de Herrera, the favorite architect of King Philip II and author of the Monastery of El Escorial, was buried here in 1597, although his remains were later transferred to Santander. In 1978, the church was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, a recognition that has allowed for the preservation and protection of this precious historical monument. The restorations carried out at the end of the 20th century, especially that of 1983, have helped maintain the structure in good condition, replacing deteriorated stones and ensuring the stability of the building.