Remember the tale of Andrea Isabel Tintero. She was a local resident who forever changed Madrid’s religious landscape. It all began on the Calle de la Paloma. Today we stand before the magnificent Parroquia Virgen de la Paloma y San Pedro el Real.
This church has a fascinating history intertwined with a simple act of devotion. The church’s popular name comes from an image of the Virgin Mary. This image was found on the Calle de la Paloma.
Legend says the canvas was discovered in a local yard. It was given to Andrea Isabel Tintero. She framed it and displayed it at her home’s entrance. Neighbors began to venerate the image. Its popularity grew quickly. It spread throughout Madrid and even reached royalty. Queen Maria Luisa de Parma was said to be a devotee.
In 1796 a small chapel was built to house the image. Francisco Sánchez designed it. He was a student of Juan de Villanueva. The chapel stood until the late 19th century.
But what about the name San Pedro el Real? This official name has its roots in the church of San Pedro el Viejo. This was formerly called San Pedro el Real. In 1891 it lost its parish status. The parish was moved to the Calle de la Paloma chapel. The chapel was expanded to accommodate its new role. To avoid confusion the original church became known as San Pedro el Viejo. However the name Iglesia de la Paloma quickly became popular for the new church.
The current Parroquia Virgen de la Paloma y San Pedro el Real was built on the site of the original chapel. In 1896 the old chapel was torn down. A larger Neomudéjar style building replaced it. It also incorporated some Neo-Gothic elements. The church opened on March 23 1912.
Lorenzo Álvarez Capra was the architect. He designed a Latin cross plan. It has a central nave and two side naves. The altar holds the image of the Virgen de la Paloma. The main facade features a central body with a portico. Twin towers rise on either side. Red brick and stone were used in its construction. Stone highlights isolated elements like the portico.
In 1978 Antonio Ábalos Culebras oversaw a restoration project. Tragedy struck in January 2021. An explosion occurred in a neighboring building. The building belonged to the parish. Debris fell onto the church damaging its roof and patio.
Despite these events the Parroquia Virgen de la Paloma y San Pedro el Real stands strong. It is a testament to faith and community. The church is more than just a building. It is a living story. It embodies Madrid’s devotion to the Virgen de la Paloma. Remember Andrea Isabel Tintero. Her simple act started it all.