Church of Santa María la Antigua, Vicálvaro, Religious monument in Vicálvaro district, Madrid, Spain
The Church of Santa María la Antigua in Vicálvaro is a place of worship featuring whitewashed walls and an arched entrance. Inside, barrel vaults sweep across the ceilings with painted frescoes covering the surfaces throughout the interior.
The current building rises from foundations laid in the 13th century, when a church combining Romanesque and Mudéjar styles first took shape. This blend of two architectural traditions reflects the period when both styles coexisted in the region.
The name "Antigua" (Old) reflects its foundation on an earlier sacred site, and locals have worshipped here across many generations. The building anchors the neighborhood's religious life and continues to serve as a focal point for community gatherings.
The church is readily accessible by public transport near Eugenia de Montijo station. Visiting requires planning ahead since entry times follow a regular schedule rather than open access.
Local stories connect this place to San Isidro, Madrid's patron saint, through tales of miraculous events involving wolves and bread. These narratives have shaped how the community views the spiritual importance of this location across centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
