Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2021 the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Valverde stands before you. This magnificent sanctuary boasts a history stretching back centuries. Its origins are shrouded in legend. A miraculous discovery in 1242 is said to have started it all. Pastors found a statue of the Virgin Mary near the Cuesta del Cuervo. The statue mysteriously reappeared there after attempts to move it.
The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Valverde’s devotion started in the 14th century. It gained prominence during the 16th century. King Philip II himself became its first patron. Both the Austrian and Bourbon dynasties supported it. The sanctuary remained a place of pilgrimage. It connected Madrid and Colmenar Viejo.
The sanctuary’s current structure primarily dates back to the 18th century. This reflects the style of Madrid’s Baroque period. The church convent palace and chapel stand as a testament to religious historic cultural and artistic significance. They survived despite many challenges. The 19th century saw the demolition of the hospice the Hormazas palace and other buildings. The convent and the house of the Marquesses of Murillo however remained. The tower at the church’s base was destroyed during the Civil War.
The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Valverde’s design features layers of construction. The 16th-century layout is by Francisco de Mora. The 1720 additions are from the school of Pedro de Ribera. Inside you’ll find a Latin cross plan. This has four sections and chapels. A cupola crowns the transept. The high choir sits over a rounded arch.
The convent has a square layout. It features brick and rammed-earth walls. Wooden floors are on the upper levels. The granite pilasters in the cloister are a noteworthy detail. The Marquesses of Murillo’s house also has a notable stone facade.
The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Valverde stands on almost 30000 square meters. It houses the Valverde hermitage and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Guide. The former Dominican monastery now serves as a sociocultural center. The former palace of the Marquesses of Murillo now houses offices. The Hermandad de Nuestra Señora de Valverde manages the complex. They obtained the declaration of the complex as a Diocesan Sanctuary in 2012. They helped secure its designation as a Site of Cultural Interest. This recognition rightfully celebrates the rich legacy of the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Valverde.