Upon this very spot stood two ancient churches. San Juan Bautista and Santiago. They witnessed centuries of Madrid’s history. They were sadly demolished in 1810. King Joseph Bonaparte ordered their destruction. He wanted to create open spaces around the Royal Palace. The Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol that stands before you today is their successor. It was built in 1811. Architect Juan Antonio Cuervo designed this neoclassical marvel.
The Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol is more than just a beautiful building. It marks the beginning of the Camino de Santiago de Madrid. This pilgrimage route leads to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The church is also a starting point for another pilgrimage route. This is the Camino de Uclés. It is also connected to the Apostle Santiago. Pilgrims come to this very church to get their credentials. They receive a blessing before starting their journey. Once a month pilgrims meet here. They celebrate their experiences and their shared journey.
The interior is breathtaking. It boasts a remarkable collection of art. It includes works from renowned artists. The main altar displays a vibrant painting by Francisco Rizi. The painting depicts Santiago Matamoros. It’s considered one of Rizi’s finest works. The painting hung in the original Santiago church as well. Other treasures include a Baptism of Christ by Juan Carreño de Miranda. There is also a charming sculpture of a child St John. This piece is from an Andalusian school. It is believed to be by Pedro Roldán.
Sadly the original church of San Juan Bautista held the tomb of Diego Velázquez. This was lost when the church was demolished. The current Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol holds many valuable artworks. They came from the churches that were once here. Many artworks survived the demolition. The church is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith. The Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol. It stands as a symbol of Madrid’s rich history. It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion. It is also a treasure trove of artistic and historical significance. This church continues to inspire awe and reverence. It is a beautiful and important part of Madrid. It holds a significant place in the city’s history.