Church of the Real Concepción de Calatrava
Europe,
Spain,
citta, Madrid,
Centro
The Church of the Royal Conception of Calatrava, located in the heart of Madrid, is a living testimony of Spanish Baroque architecture and the religious fervor that has characterized the city’s history. This place of worship, popularly known as the Iglesia de las Calatravas, is the only remaining part of the ancient Monasterio Real de la Concepción, a convent of the Comendadoras nuns of the Order of Calatrava.
The convent and church were founded in 1623, when the nuns moved to Madrid from Almonacid de Zorita, in Guadalajara, at the invitation of King Philip IV. The architecture of the church is attributed to Fray Lorenzo de San Nicolás, a monk architect of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, who designed the building between 1670 and 1678. However, the actual construction was supervised and completed by the master builders Isidro Martínez and Gregorio Garrote.
The church’s facade is an extraordinary example of Madrid’s neobaroque style. Originally, the exterior was rather sober and reflected the influence of El Escorial models. During the 19th century, under the direction of architect Juan de Madrazo y Kuntz, the facade was radically transformed. This transformation, desired by King Consort Francisco de Asís, introduced neorenaissance decorations, such as decorative pillars, a large rose window, and a red terracotta coloring that gives the church a distinctive and romantic appearance. This intervention aimed to make the church more visible and recognizable on the lively Calle de Alcalá, where it is located.
Inside, the church houses one of the most important examples of Madrid’s baroque altarpiece, created by José Benito de Churriguera between 1720 and 1724. This main altar is adorned with sculptures by Pablo González Velázquez and represents a masterpiece of Spanish religious art. The church’s structure, with its Latin cross plan and majestic transept, is a perfect example of the conventual typology of Spanish Baroque, characterized by a balance between sobriety and elaborate decoration.
The church has undergone numerous historical vicissitudes. During the Glorious Revolution of 1868, the convent was demolished, leaving only the church intact. During the Spanish Civil War, the church fortunately did not suffer serious damage and managed to preserve much of its rich artistic heritage. However, the lack of maintenance throughout the 20th century led the building to a serious state of disrepair.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the church benefited from a significant restoration program promoted by the Military Order of Calatrava. This intervention involved both the exterior and interior of the building, allowing it to recover its original beauty. The roofs were renewed, the facades cleaned, and the original cladding restored. Today, the church is one of the main religious and tourist attractions in Madrid, open for visits outside of liturgical celebrations.
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