Church of San Ginés de Arlés, Medieval church in central Madrid, Spain
The Church of San Ginés de Arlés is a religious building in central Madrid organized into three naves separated by semicircular arches, with multiple side chapels and a bell tower crowned by a slate spire. The interior combines architectural elements from different periods and styles.
The building was founded in the 12th century but underwent major reconstruction after fires destroyed much of the original structure, retaining only the bell tower from earlier times. This reconstruction in the 1600s shaped the form you see today.
The side chapels display artworks by renowned painters such as Alonso Cano and Luca Giordano, reflecting how the church served as a space for artistic patronage and religious devotion. You can see how these works remain integrated into the spiritual life of the place today.
The building sits on Calle Arenal within walking distance of several metro stations in the city center, making it accessible from many directions. It helps to check opening hours in advance since times can shift based on services and local events.
Inside the building you will find an unusual object: a stuffed crocodile that reportedly came from the Americas and arrived during the era of the Catholic Monarchs. This animal stands as a rare surviving example of exotic curiosities from that time period.
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