The Most Breathtaking Churches of Madrid, Spain
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported.
My Favorite Churches in Spain's Cosmopolitan Capital!
When travelers land in Madrid, they often blast through the Prado before heading home. But there’s more to Madrid than Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco - and this guide to her best churches will provide lots of options. I’ve ranked my favorite churches - and thrown in a secret museum to add some flavor. Duck your head into a few of these along your day of sightseeing in Madrid - you won’t regret it!
1. Basilica of San Francisco el Grande
This basilica is a showstopper, and my favorite church in Madrid. You’ll approach via the Plaza San Francisco, and the open space in front of the basilica allows you to take in the entire view. Inside, its vast size is apparent in its wide open layout. Even though this church was built at the end of the Spanish Baroque in the late 18th century, this is a Neo-Classical church, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.
I absolutely love the interior design. The nave is circular: though there is a stunning altar at the front, the main body is a circle, with fantastic side altars remarkable enough to be visions on their own. At the center of the church, under the cupola, a starburst radiates arrows on the floor, pointing to the twelve massive statues of the apostles that stand guard around the room. Above, twelve other notable Biblical figures mark the edges of José Marcelo Contreras’ dome frescos. Every inch shines of gold or visual storytelling, so you can totally get lost in the details of the best church in Madrid.
2. Church of San Manuel y San Benito
This church is a rainbow delight. Just across the street from the north entrance to the Parque del Retiro, this church is a quick walk from the Prado or the Archaeological Museum - you’ll recognize it by its onion-red dome. This is one of the most recent churches on this list, built by Fernando Arbós y Tremanti at the beginning of the 20th century. Though not historically significant, I absolutely love the use of color and the complete lack of crowds.
3. Museo Arqueologico Nacional
Yes, I’m going to add a museum to this list, but the Christian monastic statue collection is enough to warrant a visit on its own. You’re also within short walking distance if you visit the Church of San Manuel y San Benito. In a city with world-class art museums, the Spanish National Archaeological Museum is overlooked, and that’s a shame because it is one of the best archaeology museums in the world. From prehistory through classical periods, the museum is impressive.
But it is the middle-floor’s collection of Islamic and Christian art that makes this museum a stop on this list. Impactfully curated, the religious arts collection is well explained and easy to learn from. If you are traveling the country on your trip, this museum helps you to understand Spanish history, including its religious history, in profound ways.
4. Church de San Andrés
This church has a long lineage: construction began in the 1650s using stone from a previous church on the site, which itself was constructed from the remains of a mosque. But it’s that earlier iteration as a church that matters because it was the home church of St. Isidore the Laborer (patron saint of farmers and the city of Madrid), and his wife, Santa María de la Cabeza. There’s a side chapel dedicated to them.
The church today has been renovated since the Spanish Civil War, but there’s a reason I love its Neo-Baroque interior - the use of black marble is unparalleled. I find this church stunning: I like dark, atmospheric churches, but this one doesn’t require the gloom of Gothic. Instead, it relies on black marble with maroon and golden touches. It’s a color scheme that makes it very memorable.
CHLOE’S TIP: While you’re in the neighborhood of St. Andrews, you’ll want to stop at Lamiak. This super groovy little bar is quaint, dog-friendly, and affordable. The tapas menu is extensive (and in multiple languages) and fantastic. The wine list is also impressive, and you’ll come back again and again.
5. Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena
This Neo-Gothic Cathedral is the seat of the Catholic Church in Madrid, even though this is the youngest church on this list. Construction began in 1879, but it would not be until 1993 until the interior decoration was completed. The interior feels long and narrow, which is exaggerated by the rainbow decoration of the ceiling. The pop-art feel is supplemented by the mix of styles, colors, and imagery, but the shrine with a 16th-century image of the Virgen de la Almudena is the star.
CHLOE’S TIP: This is the cathedral in the guide books. That means you’ll be battling crowds. As this is not my favorite of Madrid’s churches, those who get stressed out by crowds should skip this church and head directly to the crypt below, if not another church on this list.
5.5 Neo-Romanesque Crypt of Almudena
While you’re at the Cathedral de Almundera, head to the crypt (head out and wrap around the corner to the separate entrance). Built on the site of a pre-Reconquista mosque, you can still see the Moorish walls across the street before you enter. This crypt is moving, serene, and soothing. The white marble, soft lighting, and lovely stained glass make this worth a visit. The altar (found in the center) is radiant and you’ll find yourself enchanted.
6. Iglesia del Sacramento (Cathedral of the Armed Forces)
This 17th century Baroque church is right by the Cathedral de la Almudena, so it’s worth stopping by while you’re nearby. This church is technically a cathedral, since it has been the seat of the Military Archbishop of Spain since 1980. I find this church to be a harmonious balance of white space, golden accents, and romantic frescos, making it a lovely interior to appreciate. Look for the shields and statues that hint at Spain’s conquistador past.
7. Basilica of San Miguel
This Baroque church is quirky, and its central location means you’ll likely walk nearby anyway. The entrance is bowed out into the street, such that the church stands prominent even while being buried in a packed streetfront. Built in the 1740s, the interior features late Baroque frescos that are surprisingly relaxing in their muted tones. Religious conspiracy buffs will note that this basilica is a Holy See affiliated post, and run by the controversial Opus Dei organization.
8. San Jeronimo el Real
This early 16th century church was once a Hieronymite monastery, and later became the royal chapel for the Royal Palace of Buen Retiro. When that became the Prado, this renovated Isabelline Gothic church became an extended art gallery. Not only do you get to enjoy one of the city’s only post-Reconquista Isabella cathedral, but all of the side chapels exhibit ecclesiastic Spanish Renaissance art.
Dr. C’s Final Thoughts
Madrid is a major European capital that doesn’t get enough love. Its art museums are on par with Paris, its culinary scene rivals Rome, and its laid back vibe is in the same vein as Vienna. Yet it straddles Spain, maligned between trendy Barcelona and romantic Andalus, ignored by tourists who see the Prado and race on.
But there is so much more to Madrid than the Prado and the Reina Sofia (even if these are excellent museums that shouldn’t be missed). From the tasty tapas to the edgy art scene, Madrid is a destination of its own. Pop your head into some of these churches to see the options Madrid has to offer.