Built between 1926 and 1931 the Parroquia San Francisco de Sales stands proudly. It’s a testament to architectural brilliance. This magnificent church in Madrid is more than just a place of worship. It’s a historical landmark. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The Parroquia San Francisco de Sales is located in the Tetuán district. Architect Joaquín Saldaña y López designed it. His vision resulted in a stunning structure. Its design blends neoromanesque and neobyzantine styles. The result is a unique and captivating building. This style was popular in religious architecture at the turn of the 20th century.
The church’s imposing bell tower is its most striking feature. It’s a square tower with a central rose window. Two smaller octagonal towers flank it. These are crowned with dome-shaped cupolas. The main cupola is even more impressive. It’s illuminated by twin windows. Medallions with crosses adorn these windows. The cupola is capped by a triangular pediment. The entire structure is covered in glazed tiles. A lantern sits atop the cupola. A wrought-iron cross completes the breathtaking design.
Entering through the tower one finds a simple doorway. It’s a plain lintel. It’s topped by a semicircular arch. Above the arch is the coat of arms of Saint Francis de Sales. It bears the inscription “DA MIHI ANIMAS LAETARE TOLLE”. The doorway is framed by a portico. The portico has a semicircular arch supported by columns. A pediment crowns this portico.
The interior is equally captivating. The church has a centralized Latin cross plan. Small side chapels extend from the main nave. Altar pieces stand in the arms of the cross. A massive hemispherical cupola rises from the center. This cupola is topped by a lantern and a wrought iron cross. It reaches 40 meters in height. It is reportedly the second largest cupola in Madrid. Only the cupola of San Francisco el Grande is larger.
The cupola is decorated with a striking polychrome mosaic. It is a remarkable piece of art by Santiago Padró. The mosaic depicts Salesian saints and Spanish founders. This intricate decoration contrasts beautifully with the simplicity of the rest of the church.
The stained-glass windows add another layer of beauty. They depict scenes related to the church’s original dedication. They show Our Lady of the Rosary. Other scenes include the Prayer in the Garden. The Way of the Cross and the Crucifixion are also represented. The Ascension Pentecost and the Coronation of Mary are depicted as well.
The Parroquia San Francisco de Sales is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a place with a rich history. During the Spanish Civil War its Salesian community was expelled. The school was seized and used as the headquarters of the Fifth Regiment. This period marked a significant chapter in the church’s history. The Parroquia San Francisco de Sales is a reminder of resilience and faith. It continues to stand as a symbol of hope and spiritual strength in the heart of Madrid.