San Ginés, Madrid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of San Ginés de Arlés |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Ginés de Arlés |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Ginés de Arlés | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1982 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0004564 |
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The Church of San Ginés (in Spanish, Iglesia de San Ginés de Arlés) is one of the oldest churches in Madrid, Spain. You can find it on Calle Arenal. People have written about this church in documents since the 800s!
It was first built in the Mudéjar style, which is a mix of Christian and Islamic art. Only the bell tower from the original building is still standing. The church was rebuilt in 1645.
History of the Church
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The Church of San Ginés was one of the first churches in medieval Madrid. It was built between the 1100s and 1200s. Its name comes from Saint Genesius of Arles (San Ginés de Arlés). He is the patron saint of notaries and secretaries.
In 1982, the church was named a Bien de Interés Cultural. This means it is a special building that is important to Spain's history and culture.
What the Church Looks Like
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The church has an open area in front of it, surrounded by railings. Inside, the church is shaped like a Latin cross. It has a main hallway (called a nave) and two side hallways (called aisles). These are separated by round arches.
There are also several small chapels on the sides. The beautiful altarpieces, which are artworks behind the altars, are in a style called Neoclassical-Romantic. The church has been rebuilt many times because of fires. This is why only a few original parts, like the bell tower, are left.
In 1870, a covered walkway (loggia) and the front open area (atrium) were added. The bell tower has a lovely slate spire, which is a tall, pointed roof. This spire makes the building look very tall and grand.
Artworks Inside the Church
Inside the Santísimo Cristo Chapel, you can see amazing artworks. Some of these were created by famous artists like Alonso Cano, Luca Giordano, and el Greco.
The painting by El Greco is not actually in the Santísimo Chapel. It is in the main part of the church, but it is covered by wood. In 2009, the church bought a painting called The Lamentation by Michiel Coxie.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Ginés de Arlés (Madrid) para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- List of oldest church buildings
