Collegiate Church of San Isidro, Madrid facts for kids
The San Isidro Church (also known as the Colegiata de San Isidro) is a beautiful old building in the center of Madrid, Spain. It was built in the Baroque style, which means it has lots of fancy details and grand designs. This church is very special because it holds the remains of Isidore the Laborer, who is the patron saint of Madrid, and his wife, Santa María de la Cabeza. For many years, it has also been known as a Basilica church, which is a very important type of church.
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History of the Church
The idea for this church started in 1620. An architect named Pedro Sánchez designed it. Building began two years later, and Pedro Sánchez led the work until he passed away in 1633. After him, Francisco Bautista and Melchor de Bueras took over. They finally finished the church in 1664.
This new church was built where an older church, St. Peter and St. Paul, used to be. That old church was taken down to make space for the Imperial College. This happened because Empress Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress wanted it in her will. She left her money to the Jesuit Order so they could build a new college and church.
From Jesuit Church to Collegiate Church
The church was officially opened on September 23, 1651, even though it wasn't fully finished until 1664. At first, it belonged to the Jesuit Order and was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, who was an important Jesuit and a patron saint of Catholic missions.
However, in 1767, the Jesuits were asked to leave Spain. Because of this, the building changed from being a Jesuit church to a collegiate church. This means it became a church run by a group of priests called a college of canons.
Two years later, in 1769, the church got a new dedication. It was rededicated to Saint Isidore. This happened when the saint's body was moved there from the Church of St. Andrew. Saint Isidore is the patron saint of Madrid. His wife, Saint Mary of the Head, also had her remains moved to the church.
After this, a famous architect named Ventura Rodríguez updated the inside of the church. He designed a new, very decorative area around the main altar.
Becoming a Pro-Cathedral
In 1885, Madrid got its own Catholic Archdiocese. At this time, the San Isidro Church became the city's "pro-cathedral." A pro-cathedral is a church that serves as a temporary cathedral until the main one is ready.
The San Isidro Church was the pro-cathedral until the current Almudena Cathedral was finished in 1993. Once Almudena Cathedral was ready, San Isidro Church went back to being a collegiate church.
Fire and Restoration
In 1936, at the start of the Spanish Civil War, the church caught fire. This fire sadly destroyed many artworks inside, including the beautiful altar designed by Ventura Rodríguez. The church's dome also fell down.
After the war, the church was carefully restored over 20 years. Workers tried to bring back its original look. This big restoration project finished in the 1960s. A new part was added to the towers on the front of the church by architect Javier Barroso. A very accurate copy of Ventura Rodríguez's main altar was also made. One of the chapels, called Our Lady of the Carmen, was even paid for by the British Embassy in Madrid. You can see the British coat of arms above the altar in that chapel!
See also
In Spanish: Colegiata de San Isidro para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- List of Jesuit sites
- List of oldest church buildings
