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 Muslim worship in central Madrid |
Calle De Alonso Cano 3 Madrid, Madrid 28010 Spain |
Called Al Islam, it's the third most important mosque in Madrid and it caters mostly to immigrants from Algeria who make up a part of the 80000 Muslims living in the capital. It´s located in a central area just outside the old town and has a supermarket where you can buy Halal meat, although most of it is frozen. There are hotels and parking nearby. Religious services: Muslims pray five times a day. Consult the mosque's timetable for exact times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A gigantic cross on Franco's tomb |
Carretera de Guadarrama, Escorial (Valle de Cuelgamuros) Madrid, Madrid 28280 Spain +34 91 890 5611 |
A funicular takes you up to the base of this huge 150m cross built on top of General Franco's tomb. The dictator's body lies behind the impressive crypt and transept. The views of the Sierra de Guadarama from up here are magnificent. Transport: Take the train from Madrid or the bus from Moncloa. Admission: EUR5; 5-16 years old: EUR2.50; under-5s: free. Wed: free for EU citizens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: joelpk  |
 Photo: Ashley Cline |
 Photo: Jessica Albarrán |
 Photo: Ashley Cline |
 Photo: Terry Commodore |
 Photo: cecile |
 Photo: Raul_d50 |
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Patron saint of Madrid |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 542 2200 http://www.archimadrid.es/prin... |
Madrid's cathedral took over 100 years to build, due to political conflicts, wars and a lack of financial resources. According to legend, it's named after the Virgen de la Almudena, whose icon was found during the Reconquest hidden in a house that the Arabs called al mudena. The building's exterior is an example of eclectic 19th-century design. The doors are bronze and there's an image of the Virgen (now Madrid's patron saint) on the façade. The interior is full of light, benefitting from the stained-glass windows and multi-coloured ceiling. Its grand Grezing organ gets played on Sundays, holidays and the day before holidays. Mass: 10am & midday Mon-Fri; 6pm & 7pm Sat & days preceding public holidays; 10.30am, midday, 1.30pm, 6pm & 7pm Sun & hols. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: duimdog.nl |
 Photo: Robert Reichle |
 Photo: Maximiliano Corredor |
 Photo: José María Sotomayor |
 Photo: Dani Toscano |
 Photo: Saúl Trabanca |
 Photo: David Rodriguez Vega |
 Photo: Tomomi Sasaki |
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Muslim prayer, Arabic classes and activities |
Anastasio Herrero, 7 Madrid, Madrid 28020 Spain +34 91 571 4040 / +34 91 570 8889 |
This mosque is located in the Spanish Muslim Association building. It is known as the Abu Bakr Centre, in honour of Mohammed's best friend, though it´s also commonly known as the Mezquita de Estrecho after the neighbourhood. It opened in 1987, and apart from religious services, it offers Arabic classes and educational activities and organizes an assistance programme for Muslim immigrants. It is run by Syrians although most of the worshippers are Moroccan. Religious worship: There are five prayer times a day and the timetable changes one minute each day. So, it´s best to call for exact times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mass in English in the centre of town |
Núñez de Balboa, 43 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 576 5109 http://www.ciudadtudela.com/mo... stgeorgemadrid@telefonica.net |
Devoted English-speaking Catholics can attend Sunday mass in their own language in this parish church in the city centre. The neomudéjar-style building was built in this upmarket residential district in 1992, nextdoor to the Canadian Embassy and two blocks down from Calle Claudio Coello, where all the art galleries are. There are many car-parks and hotels nearby. Mass is held at 8.30a, 10a & 11.15a Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Important paintings & curios |
Calle del Arenal 13 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 366 4875 |
This church contains valuable paintings by Alonso Cano, El Greco, José Adams, Villabrille and Salvatierra along with an exact copy of a Ricci painting destroyed by fire in 1824. The tower is majestic, the three naves are separated by arches and side chapels and the altarpieces belong to the neoclassical-Romantic school. Famous playwright, Lope de Vega, was baptized here and famous poet, Francisco de Quevedo, was married here. One of the most curious items on display is a stuffed crocodile that's said to have been brought over from the Americas during the reign of Fernando and Isabel. You'll find it by Puerta del Sol. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Paintings, baroque decor and tomb of San Isidro |
Toledo, 37 Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 369 2037 |
The interior contains some outstanding artwork including an altarpiece by Sebastián Herrera and paintings by Claudio Coello, Herrera and Ricci. The decor is baroque, there are numerous side chapels, barrel vaulting and a huge dome. The façade features large built-in columns, a portico and a vaulted niche containing sculptures by Juan Pascual de Mena. It's also known as the Colegiata de San Isidro, as it was part of a college founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century. The remains of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro, lie here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Famous religious sculptures & paintings |
Calle de Alcalá 43 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 522 6784 |
This huge church with an ornamental facade has the best collection of religious imagery in Madrid, including works by Michel, Salvador Carmona, Alonso de Mena, Sánchez Barba, González Velázquez, and Bautista Peña. The 19th-century neoclassical-romantic style altarpieces are outstanding. The Santa Teresa chapel is a good example of rococo style with ornate features and frescoes on the dome. It was designed by Pedro de Ribera and built in 1773. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Mass in German |
Avenida de Burgos, 12 Madrid 28036 Spain +34 (0)91 588 1636 (Tourist Information) |
Mass is said in German on Sundays in this parish church and in Spanish every day of the week. It stands on the site of an old monastery although there are no remains of historical interest to be seen anymore. In fact, it's surrounded by modern office blocks used by financial services companies close to Chamartín railway station and Plaza de Castilla in northern Madrid. Mass: (In German) 11am Sun. (In Spanish) 6.30pm Tue-Fri; 7.30pm Sat; 1pm Sun. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old church celebrating mass in Italian |
Plaza de San Nicolás, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 559 4064 |
Madrid's Italian church celebrates mass in Italian if a large enough group of native speakers requests it. The building has a perfectly preserved 12th-century mudéjar tower with lobe and horseshoe arches that was the minaret of a mosque before being turned into a bell tower. The chapels inside contain an interesting collection of paintings and sculptures by Salvatierra, Pedro de Mena and Nicolás de Busy, as well as the most impressive coffered ceilings in Madrid. Apart from the tower, the rest of the church dates from the 15th century and later. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: José Casas |
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Beautiful altarpieces, frescoes & paintings |
Calle de la Puebla 22 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 522 3774 |
This church contains a magnificent collection of frescoes by Lucas Jordán (Luca Giordano), outstanding paintings by Ricci and some beautiful altarpieces. The building has an elliptic base and a classical façade with a vaulted niche to hold the image of San Antonio. The interior is full of light and there's a wonderful spire. It was designed by Pedro Sánchez to serve as a hospital-chapel for the Portuguese passing through Madrid. After Portugal gained its independence, the church was donated to the German members (Alemanes, hence the name) of Mariana Neoburg's entourage. She was Carlos II's second wife. Mass: 9:45a, noon & 7:30p Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Relics of the Holy Cross & small museum |
Calle De Atocha 6 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 369 1239 |
This neo-Gothic style church contains remains of the Holy Cross or Lignum Crucis. The small museum (9.30-11am) inside displays works of religious art by Andrés de Calleja and Alonso del Arco as well as some of Salvador de Carmona's sculptures. The church was designed by the Marquis de Cubas and stands within easy walking distance of two major tourist attractions, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Mass: 9a, 11a, noon, 6p & 7p M-Sa, 10a, 11:30a, 1p & 7p Su. Special San Judas mass on the last Wednesday of every month at 9a, 10:30a, 11a, noon, 5p & 7p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: José Casas |
 Photo: Coussier |
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National heritage monument |
Plaza de las Descalzas, s/n Madrid 28013 Spain http://www.patrimonionacional.... |
You can visit this 16th-century church belonging to the convent with the the greatest art collection in Madrid to see work by Paolo de San Leocadi, Gaspar Becerro and Pompeo Leoni, including the latter's impressive marble funerary monument dedicated to the founder of the convent. The main altar is also well worth a look. It was carved in Rome, transported to Madrid and given added decorative touches by Bellver. The church was designed in classical style by architect Juan Bautista de Toledo with a stone and brick façade. Its interior has been restored several times over the centuries. You'll find the convent and church in the heart of the old town. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historically valuable works of art |
Calle Moreto 4 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain |
A church, popularly known as Los Jerónimos, that's full of history - kings and queens sought refuge here, Spanish parliaments were sworn in here, Alfonso XIII was married here and King Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of Spain in this very building. It dates back to the 16th century, but has been restored several times and only a few external features remain from its early days. Inside, you'll see famous paintings by Carducho and José Méndez along with valuable sculptures like Juan de Mena´s 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte, neo-Gothic lamps and stained-glass windows. It's close to the following museums: Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Ejército (Army), as well as the Ritz and Palace hotels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Largest mosque in Europe |
Salvador de Madariaga, 4 Madrid 28027 Spain +34 91 326 2610 http://www.ccislamico.org/ informacion@ccislamico.org |
The so-called "M-30 mosque" (because it stands beside the motorway) is the largest in Europe. It's a beautiful white marble building that contains a college, ritual bath house, gymnasium, cafe and an Arabic restaurant called Zahara. The complex was designed by three Polish architects and is financed by Saudi Arabia. King Juan Carlos I and Prince Salman ben Abdelaziz attended the opening ceremony in 1992. Religious services: Muslims pray five times a day. Consult the mosque´s prayer timetable for exact times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jewish temple with cultural activities |
Balmes, 3 Madrid, Madrid 28010 Spain +34 91 445 9843 |
Madrid's only synagogue is the hub of the capital's Jewish community - estimated at some 100000 people - and it also hosts a huge range of cultural activities including exhibitions and lectures. It's located in the city centre. There's a kosher butcher nearby and you can also buy kosher goods at the Corte Inglés department store on Paseo de la Castellana. Information on the timetable of religious services is not provided for security reasons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Goya's tomb surrounded by his frescoes |
Paseo de la Florida, 5 Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 542 0722 |
In 1798, Goya himself painted the frescoes on the dome in here and the result is charged with his usual expressive detail and originality. Called Milagro de San Antonio de Padua, it represents one of his most important works. The chapel itself is a simple and elegant example of late-18th century neoclassical design and it houses the brilliant artist's tomb. In order to preserve the painting, an identical chapel was built next door in 1928 where mass is now held. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Madrid's baroque religious art |
Plaza de la Encarnación, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 454 8800 http://www.patrimonionacional.... |
The outstanding sights in this monastery are the choir area, the main cloister, the bronze and marble sepulcher, the paintings of the Bourbon royal family, and the chapel's frescoes. However, it is best known for the miracle that happens here every July 28, when the congealed blood of Saint Panthaleon that is kept in a small container miraculously becomes liquid. The building is a fine example of post-Herrera baroque architecture (Herrera was also responsible for El Escorial Monastery). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Valuable paintings in a grand church |
Plaza de San Francisco, s/n Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 365 3800 |
One of the capital's largest churches, it's also noted for having a huge and outstanding collection of paintings displayed amongst its seven chapels. You'll see work by Goya, Zurbarán, Alonso Cano, Maella and Casado del Alisal along with marble sculptures by Ricardo Bellver and Mariano Benlliure. The dome and barrel-vaulted ceilings are covered in lovely frescoes and the beautiful stained-glass windows were created by the German firm, Mayer. The church itself is an example of 18th-century classical design and its dome - measuring 33m in diameter - is one of the largest in the world. You'll find it close to the cathedral and the Royal Palace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Navarro |
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Surprising design |
Calle de San Justo 4 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 548 4011 |
The church's convex façade is an example of Italian baroque, and the unique design gives the small area a much greater sense of space. You'll see sculptures by Roberto Michel, Salvador Carmona and Pascual de Mena inside, along with paintings by Ferrant, frescoes by the González Velázquez brothers and altarpieces by Ventura Rodríguez. This diminutive Apostolic Nuncio was designed by Giacomo Bonavía and built between 1739 and 1746. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |