Imagine, if you will, the echoes of prayers and the hushed whispers of centuries clinging to the walls of the Iglesia de San Martín. This is no ordinary church. It is a testament to Madrid’s resilience and its unique blend of architectural styles.
The Iglesia de San Martín stands before you. It is located on Calle del Desengaño. The church overlooks the Plaza de Santa María de Soledad Torres Acosta. Many know it as Plaza de la Luna. Its central location places it just steps from the Gran Vía and Plaza de Callao. This makes it one of the most accessible churches in the capital.
Originally, the parish of San Martín resided in the Plaza de las Descalzas. It stood opposite the Royal Monastery. This original church served the Benedictine monastery that was founded in the 12th century.
During the reign of José I Bonaparte, the original church was torn down. This was to create open spaces in the city center. In 1836, the name and traditions moved to this current location during Mendizábal’s confiscation. The Iglesia de San Martín now occupies the former Convent of Portacoeli. The Clerics Regular Minor founded this convent in 1648.
Look closely at the architecture. You will notice it reflects Madrid’s 17th-century style. The building follows a Latin cross layout. It features a transept with short arms and lateral chapels. A deep presbytery adds to its grandeur. The intersection of the crucero is covered by a blind dome. It has an exterior chapitel supported by pendentives. The nave boasts a barrel vault with lunettes.
While the exact architect remains unknown, José de Valdemoro, José de Churriguera, and Pedro de Ribera have all been suggested. Regardless, the Iglesia de San Martín exemplifies Baroque style. You can see influences from Pedro de la Torre and Francisco Bautista. These architects shaped the church’s overall design.
Inside, simplicity meets elegance. Notice the meticulously designed corbels. They support the cornice and pilasters. Balcony-shaped tribunes overlook the nave. These details add to the church’s charm.
Much of the original furniture is gone. The main altar now features a Neo-Renaissance altarpiece. Mariano Bellver created the relief. It depicts Saint Martin of Tours and the beggar. Various images and altarpieces adorn the chapels.
Now, focus on the facade facing Calle Desengaño. Its monumental character stands out. The facade is structured in two sections. A triangular pediment tops the central section. Prismatic towers flank each side. The use of brick is striking. It contrasts sharply with the granite doorway. The doorway is designed as an altarpiece. Columns frame the entrance. A highly decorated upper section features a niche. It houses a sculpture of Agostino Adorno. He was the founder of the Clerics Minor. He is depicted before the Virgin of Portacoeli.
The Iglesia de San Martín represents one of Madrid’s most remarkable Baroque facades. Despite alterations over time, its beauty endures.
Before we move on, remember Alexia González-Barros is buried here. The Catholic Church proclaimed her venerable. Her life inspired the Spanish film “Camino.” Also, the writer Ramón Gómez de la Serna was baptized in this very church in 1888. The Iglesia de San Martín holds layers of history and stories within its walls. It connects us to Madrid’s past.