Remember this humble site. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s the Capilla de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad. It’s a testament to Madrid’s enduring faith and history.
This small chapel stands at 44 Calle de Fuencarral. It sits on the corner of Calle Augusto Figueroa. This bustling commercial street belies the Capilla de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad’s serene presence.
Originally, humilladeros marked the entrances to towns. They stood at crossroads. Travelers paused there to regain strength. They prayed to give thanks for safe journeys. They also prayed for good fortune on their travels. The term “humilladero” comes from “humillar”. It means to kneel in submission and respect.
The Capilla de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad occupies the site known as Arco de Santa Mar\u00eda. This arch once sheltered an image of Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad. The Plano de Texeira shows Calle de Santa Mar\u00eda del Arco. It clearly references the arch protecting the image.
Local devotion inspired the Marqu\u00e9s de Navahermosa. Francisco de Feloaga y Ponce de Le\u00f3n owned the adjacent house. In 1712, he built the chapel. He placed the lienzo of the Virgin of la Soledad inside. It had been under the arch.
The structure is simple. It features exposed brick and a base of ashlar stones. The layout is square. A semicircular arch marks the entrance. Another arch is visible on the adjacent facade wall. A wrought-iron grille from the early 18th century is set in the wooden gate. It allows a glimpse inside through a window.
Inside, a modest altar displays a retablo. It features a 17th-century painting of Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad. The nearby Parroquia de San Ildefonso has cared for the chapel since the mid-20th century.
The Capilla de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad may easily go unnoticed. Yet it offers a moment to pause. It allows one to regain strength amid the city’s bustle. It sits on a small widening of Calle de Fuencarral. This is the Plaza del Olivo. It reclaims the courtyard of a demolished mansion as urban space.
Once, this chapel stood in Madrid’s outskirts. Today, it is in the city center. It stands on a street full of life. People come and go beside this piece of history.
This humble chapel has witnessed significant events. The night of July 12, 1936, a tragic event unfolded. Lieutenant Jos\u00e9 del Castillo S\u00e1enz de Tejada was murdered near the chapel. Four far-right gunmen committed this act. Castillo had been known for his leftist views during the Second Spanish Republic. This assassination and Jos\u00e9 Calvo Sotelo’s murder are considered triggers of the Spanish Civil War.
Today, the Capilla de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad stands as a testament to time. It connects us to Madrid’s past. It reminds us of the faith and devotion that shaped this city. Take a moment to appreciate this small treasure. Consider its history and the stories it holds.