Consider the echoes of centuries past as we stand before the Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel de Fuencarral. This church’s history stretches back to the 15th century. Documents from that era mention its existence in the old village of Fuencarral. It was dedicated to San Miguel.
Originally, the church had a different layout. The entrance was where the presbytery is today. The head of the church faced east. It likely ended in an octagonal apse. This is suggested by the chamfers of the current atrium.
In 1770, a major expansion and renovation took place. The architect Ventura Rodríguez directed this project. This gave the Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel de Fuencarral its current appearance. It now features a basilica nave, a transept, and side chapels. The chapel of Cristo de la Vera Cruz became particularly prominent.
Look at the nave’s ceiling. It is a flat vault supported by lateral scotias. These have continuous and central ribbing forming a shallow dome. The side naves have groin vaults. These vaults are between arches. The arches run from the exterior walls to the Tuscan granite columns.
Notice the semicircular arch marking the end of the nave. It leads to the main altar. This may also be the work of Ventura Rodríguez. A large transept provides access from the back of the side naves. This design moves the presbytery and altar to the back. It features a groin vault dome with a lantern and a barrel vault.
Sadly, the baroque altarpiece that once graced the presbytery was destroyed during the Civil War. The atrium has been transformed from its original design. It matches the width of the central nave. Above it sits a choir. You can reach it from the bell tower staircase on the south side. The choir overlooks the nave through a semicircular arch.
Along the side naves, you’ll see chapels with altars attached to the walls. The Capilla del Cristo de la Vera Cruz interrupts this pattern. It is an attached building in the shape of a cross with a dome. The dome rests on pendentives.
On the south side, you’ll find the sacristy. There is access near the transept. Also on the south side is an entrance from the outside. It is in the fourth section. On the north wall, there is a porticoed space. Today, it is closed on all three sides.
The Real Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo de la Vera-Cruz de Fuencarral organizes liturgical events. These events commemorate the feast day of its patron saint on September 14. These services take place in the Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel. A relic of the Vera-Cruz is kept here.
A novena takes place from September 5 to 14. It culminates on the 14th with a solemn Mass. Afterward, the image of Cristo will process through Fuencarral’s streets. In July, the image of Cristo was temporarily moved due to church renovations.
The Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel de Fuencarral stands as a testament to faith. It also showcases architectural evolution and artistic devotion. Its walls have witnessed centuries of history. May its story resonate as we continue our journey.