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All Spain Madrid Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua

Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua

The oldest building in Madrid.

Madrid, Spain

Added By
Javier Pascual Aguilar
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Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Luis García, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Detail of the apse   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
The entrance and the tower   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
General view   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
One of the frescoes.   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This old church, built on top of the remains of an even older church, is now, sadly, partially covered in graffiti.

Located next to the Carabanchel cemetery of Madrid, the Ermita de Santa Maria la Antigua was built in the Romanesque-Mudejar style in the 13th century.

The chapel's design is simple yet elegant, with its whitewashed walls and arched doorway. The interior is just as striking, with a vaulted ceiling and colorful frescoes.

One of the most unique elements inside the hermitage is the well that, according to legend, San Isidro built. It is said that the patron saint of Madrid performed two miracles in this same church, one involving a wolf and the other a loaf of bread.

The Ermita de Santa Maria la Antigua has played an important role in the spiritual lives of the people of Carabanchel for centuries. It remains a place of quiet reflection and contemplation, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Despite its relatively small size, the Ermita de Santa Maria la Antigua is a true hidden gem and a must-see for anyone interested in the rich religious history of Madrid.

Related Tags

Religion History Churches

Know Before You Go

Metro stop Eugenia de Montijo (line 5 of the Madrid Metro) is the closest to the hermitage.

Once outside the metro, locate the wall of the Carabanchel cemetery (you'll see the hermitage tower) and cross the little park.

In case you want to see the interior, the church is only open on Saturdays from 10.00 am to 1:00 pm, the visit is free of charge.

Community Contributors

Added By

Xavixavir

Edited By

Luis Morato

  • Luis Morato

Published

April 6, 2023

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  • https://karabanchel.com/placa-11-ermita-ntra-sra-de-la-antigua/
Hermitage of Santa Maria la Antigua
Madrid
Spain
40.382394, -3.752518

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