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Almudena Cathedral

The Almudena Cathedral is the most important religious building in Madrid. It was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 15 June 1993, making it the first cathedral to be consecrated outside of Rome.

The construction of la Almudena began on 4 April 1883 when Alfonso XII of Spain set the first stone. The project was driven and designed by the architect Francisco de Cubas.

The temple’s interior is rather surprising since it is completely different to any other cathedral built during the same period ; the ceiling and the stained-glass windows being decorated with vivid colours and straight lines, much unlike the classical style.   

La Almudena Cathedral Museum

La Almudena Cathedral Museum features numerous items that portray the history of the diocese of Madrid. The museum is made up of twelve halls that contain mosaics, Episcopal symbols and vestments.

Although the museum is small, it is a lot more interesting to visit than it would seem at first.

Climbing the dome

Unlike certain cathedrals like Notre Dame in Paris , the Cathedral’s dome is neither spectacular nor does it provide good views of Madrid. We suggest exploring this part of the church only if you're also going to visit the museum , since the entrance ticket includes access to both parts.  

Plaza de la Almudena . 28013, Madrid.

Monday to Sunday: from 9 am until 8:30 pm. Museum and crypt: Monday to Saturday: from 10 am until 2:30 pm.

Entrance to the Cathedral: Free. Museum and crypt : Adults: € 6 ( US$ 6.50) Students, groups, and seniors: € 4 ( US$ 4.30)

Metro : Ópera , lines 2 and 5. Buses : 3, 25, 39 and 148.

Nearby places

Royal Palace of Madrid (285 m) Plaza de Oriente (320 m) Teatro Real of Madrid (421 m) Sabatini Gardens in Madrid (480 m) Mercado de San Miguel (481 m)

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Almudena Cathedral

This Cathedral is placed in Madrid city centre, in front of the Royal Palace. The temple joins different styles, such as Neoclassic, Neogothic, Neoromanesque. It was consecrated by the Pope John Paul II, during his fourth visit to Spain, the 15th June 1993.

It has a Latin cross plan of 102 meters length by 73 meters high, and joins different styles, the Neoclassic style outside and Neogothic style inside. It has a transept of 66 meters length, 13 chapels, 3 altars and a great dome of 20 meters of diameter. It was built using stone and granite. The main façade is crowned by four statues that were created by the sculptor Ramón Chaparro, and represent four Spanish saints: San Isidro, Santa María de la Cabeza, Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Fernando. They are made of white stone from Colmenar.

It has a double dome which is Gothic inside and Barroque outside. In said dome the twelve apostles are represented. The image of the Virgin of Almudena, the patron saint of the city, has its own altar in the transept of the right nave. It is placed on the central vaulted niche of a spectacular altarpiece, painted by Juan de Borgoña (at the end of the XV Century and beginning of the XVI Century). This altar piece is composed by eighteen boards with scenes of our God´ s life. Kiko Argüello´s Neobizantine paintings were the last elements added to the Cathedral. They are painted in the apse of the cathedral, and represent scenes of Christ´ s life.

In 1944, a National Contest of Architecture is organised in order to solve the difficult problem of finishing the construction of the Almudena. The architects Fernando Chueca and Calos Sidro won it, leaving the Neogothic elements and linking the tempo with its environment through cloisters with columns, chapels and rooms, in this way, the cathedral would be harmonized with the environment of the Royal Palace which is also Neoclassic.

Built: XIX Century (1826- 1899)

Author: Francisco de Cubas

Style: Neoclassical

Category: Religious

Type: Cathedral

Interesting links

Photos of the Almudena Cathedral

Best things to do

★★★★★ 4 reviews

Let yourself be dazzled by the Landscape of Light in Madrid, an axis that encompasses the Parque del Buen Retiro and the Paseo del Prado, declared World Heritage Site. Discover the perfect and elegant combination of art and nature in the heart of Madrid's capital, with charming corners such as the Crystal Palace, the old zoo, the Royal Botanical Garden, the Church of Los Jeronimos or the magnificent fountains of Ventura Rodriguez. In addition, you will visit two of the most important museums in Spain: the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia, where you will see especially "Guernica" by Picasso. 

All this hand in hand with an official expert guide who will take you around and tell you all the details. You will fall in love with the Landscape of Light.

Visit one of the most important painting and sculpture colections of the World accompained by an expert tour guide. Discover the Art History of Spain. Contemplate yourself masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez or El Greco, while the guide reveals to you all details of each one.

Travel to the past admiring the canvas made by the greats genius concentrated in this Museum. Do not worry about the ticket, it is included in the price. Book now!

If you're visiting Madrid do not miss an essential tour through its most emblematic places. 

This guided tour will takes to you to stroll historical and enchanting Madrid sights such as the Paseo del Retiro, the Barrio de las Letras, the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Without forgetting the Plaza de Oriente, where the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral are located.

Plan your visit

Address and telephone

• Calle Mayor, 90. 28013 Madrid
• +34 915 422 200

Opening times

• July and August, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The rest of year, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Opened the whole year from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tickets and prices

Free Access.

If you see any mistakes or want to add anything to this information, please contact us .

Things to do in Madrid

Get to know with an expert tour guide the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest in Europe. This is a monumental Baroque palace, which is currently used for State ceremonies and houses more than 2,500 rooms inside. 

It also has an important collection of artworks and great value pieces as tapestries from the Royal Tapestry Factory of Santa Barbara. Not less important is the Royal Armory or Italian frescoes such as the Throne Room one, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. 

The entrance fee is included in the tour reservation.

Fifty years have passed since the death of the most international painter from Malaga, Pablo Picasso. On the occasion of this anniversary, we propose you a guided tour focused on his masterpiece, "El Guernica".  A tour guide will show you how this great iconic canvas of history and art in Spain was created, and what lies behind it.  In addition, the tour includes admission fee to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

One of the most outstanding museums in the world in Madrid is undoubtedly the Thyssen-Bornemisza, located in the so-called Paseo del Arte, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its collection has more than 1,000 paintings representative of the International Art History, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visit it accompanied by an expert tour guide and let yourself be enchanted by works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Tiziano, Degas, Kandinsky or Picasso. 

The admission fee to the museum is included in the reservation.

Take a complete tour of history and art in Madrid. In this essential route, you will visit with the company of an expert tour guide the Prado National Museum. You will get to know in detail iconic masterpieces such as "the Meninas" by Velázquez or the "Majas" by Goya. 

Then you will visit the beautiful Royal Palace, where you will be amazed by its luxurious halls and corridors. Not to mention artistic and valuable pieces that are preserved here, such as the magnificent collection of Stradivarius instruments. 

Entrance fees to both monuments are included in the tour price.

If you are one of those who travel to enjoy art and culture, Madrid has a perfect area for you called Paseo del Arte. A walk that joins three outstanding museums of our country: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia National Art Center and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. 

With our expert guide, you will discover in first person and all the details of works such as "Las Meninas" by Velázquez, the "Guernica" by Picasso or the "Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni" by Ghirlandaio. Just to mention one iconic work from each museum. But during a full day tour, you will contemplate and enjoy many more paintings, which are key in the history of Spanish and international art. 

Entrance fees to the museums are included in the price of the tour.

In this five-hour combined tour you will visit two of the most important museums in Spain. 

At the Reina Sofia Museum, where the guide will focus on the great canvas "Guernica" by Picasso. At the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum you will contemplate works by Masters of the Art History from the 13th to the 20th century. 

Tickets are included in the price of the tour, and you can also book your visit with lunch.

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Guide To Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral

The word “cathedral” is typically associated with grand churches built in the Middle Ages. When I mentioned to a guide that I was going to visit Almudena Cathedral, she sniffed and said it “was five minutes old.”

Forewarned with this information, I nonetheless visited. It wasn’t like seeing Toledo Cathedral , of course.

But I thought it was still reasonably aesthetically pleasing, especially inside. And the views from the roof are sublime.

For a capital city, Madrid was deprived. It didn’t have its own cathedral until Pope John Paul II consecrated Almudena in 1993.

It took more than a century to build, proceeding in several phases with long periods of inactivity and delay.

At first, the Madrileños didn’t much care for the new cathedral.

But it became more popular after King Fellipe VI and Queen Letizia were married there in 2004.

Mini History Of Almudena Cathedral

Construction began during a period of economic prosperity following the restoration of the monarchy in the late 19th century.

The first plan was for a cathedral in the Gothic revival style and a large Romanesque crypt.

The crypt was finished speedily enough in 1911. But the cathedral was not completed.

Political upheaval, financial problems, and the Spanish Civil War temporarily put the cathedral on ice.

Every time work began again, with a raft of new architects, the design was altered. The result is a facade that’s quite eclectic, to put it mildly.

In the 1940s, two architects came along and encased the whole building in a Neoclassical shell. They felt it was more consistent with the Royal Palace.

The name “Almudena” is Arab in origin. The cathedral is named after the Virgin of Almudena, the patroness of Madrid.

According to legend, in the 8th century, Visigoth settlers hid an image of the Virgin Mary in the city walls during the period of Moorish rule to protect it.

Centuries later, after the Christian reconquest, the figure miraculously reappeared near the city’s old medieval fortress. Ever since, her image is venerated and celebrated.

In 1993, the pope consecrated the cathedral and dedicated it to Saint Mary of Almudena. It’s now the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid.

November 9 is the feast day of the Virgin of Almudena. A procession is held in her honor. The statue of the virgin, covered in flowers, is carried through the streets.

Guide To Almudena Cathedral: What To See

Main facade.

The main facade of the cathedral is opposite the main facade of the cathedral, making it quite dashing (if a lot of gray).

There are three bronze doors with intricate bas reliefs, made by Luis Sanguine. Two bell towers flank the portals.

The facade is crowned by four statues in white stone representing Spanish saints. In the center, under a Baroque style gable, is a statue of Our Lady of Almudena.

The eastern side, on Calle de Bailen, is where you enter.

Outside is the Monument to Pope John Paul II and an unusual work by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmaltz, which shows a homeless Christ on a bench covered by a blanket.

Like the main facade, the portals have intricate reliefs, mostly relating to Madrid’s patroness.

Inside, the cathedral is Neo-Gothic.

It has a Latin cross plan, with a central nave and two side aisles. The aisles are filled with chapels.

The chapels have some lovely contemporary stained glass, and are devoted to contemporary saints and famous citizens of Madrid.

Light floods into the side naves through upper rose windows.

On the wall near the main door, you can see two paintings by Francisco Zurburan, a famous Spanish Baroque master.

One of the prettiest parts of the cathedral is its dome.

It’s a double dome, with the ribs of the inner dome forming a star. It was inspired by 15th century Gothic domes.

The background is a deep blue and dotted with stars, as if it were a celestial vault. In the lunettes, the artist depicts the four elements of nature (earth, water, fire, and air).

On the exterior, 12 bronze statues surround the dome, representing the 12 apostles.

The cathedral ceilings are colorful and eye catching. Inspired by Moorish designs, Jose Luis Galicia painted them between 1997-98.

They are full of geometry and fluorescent colors, which are a stark contrast to the white walls.

Each section is unique and different from the others.

The monumental organ arrived in 1999, made in Barcelona.

It combines the tradition of Central European organs with those of the Iberian school.

The organ is equipped with both mechanical and electrical systems. It has nearly 5,000 pipes.

The case was designed by Brit architect Simon Platt, who was inspired by Gothic designs.

Altar of Our Lady of Almudena

This eye catching altarpiece is the main alter in the cathedral. in the center, Our Lady sits on a silver throne.

The image you see is a wooden sculpture made in the early 16th century by Dutch artists Diego Copin. Mary has a round, sweet face and expressive eyes.

Mary’s mantle and tunic are finely carved with great realism. The polychrome was produced used a technique known as “quilted silk.”

The extraordinary altarpiece is formed by 18 panels painted by Juan de Borgona in the early 16th century. They depict scenes from the life of Christ.

On both sides of the altarpiece are paining of two ascending angels. Below are two small gilded altarpieces.

The chancel is the elevated space in the center of the cathedral, where you also find the apse.

The chancel is adorned with a series of severn murals forming the so called “Mystery of the Crown of Thorns.” There are five scenes from the life of Jesus — the usual resurrection, crucifixion and ascension.

In the center of the composition is the image of the Christ Pantocrater, frequently found in Byzantine mosaics.

The images were painted by Kiko Argüello, a fairly inexperienced painter and friend of the pope. The choice was controversial in Madrid, some claiming the Byzantine images were amateurish and inappropriate for a cathedral.

The seven stained glass windows are emblazoned with the word God in several different languages. They were made in Murano and installed in 2004.

Presiding over the altar is a beautiful carving of the Christ of the Good Death . It was crated in 1993 by Sevillian sculpture Manuel Berjarano.

The cathedral is home to beautiful mosaics from 2005-11, mostly in the Sacristy, Chapter House, and Chapel of the Holy Sacrament.

These are part of the museum and that’s the only way you can see them.

The most striking one to me was the Pieta in the Chapter House, in which Mary embraces her dead son.

The chapel is also beautiful and seems bathed in gold mosaics. You’re greeted by the Adoration of the Magi.

There are representations of the parable of the Good Samaritan and Jesus performing the miracles of the loaves and fishes.

Cathedral Museum & Roof

The Cathedral Museums opened in 2007 and is housed in the galleries over the site aisles. A tour of the museum is completed by a visit to the dome to enjoy the superb views.

Along the way, you’ll see a collection of devotional treasures and sacred artworks.

The most important pieces include a codex with an oral history of Madrid, vestments, a 17th century golden monstrance, and a Belgium tapestry.

You can also see models of prior itinerations of the cathedral.

Cathedral Crypt

The crypt may be more interesting than the cathedral itself. You access it via a stone staircase inside the cathedral or by the main door to the side of the cathedral on Cuesta de la Vega.

It’s the largest crypt in Spain. It features scores of Neo-Romanesque capitals, which are adorned with castles, plants, and animals.

The crypt is illuminated by light from the stained glass windows.

The chapels inside contain the tombs of important 19th century families. Flowers are still left on the floor tombs.

Presiding over the presbytery behind the high altar is a copy of the image of Our Lady of Almudena.

Practical Guide & Tips For Almudena Cathedral

Address : Plaza de la Almudena. The main entrance is   accessed from Calle de Bailén, not the front of the cathedral.

The church is open 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. However, there is no entry during mass, which is at 12:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.

The crypt is open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The museum and tower are open from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Saturday.

Tickets : The cathedral and crypt are both free with a requested one euro donation. The tower and museum are 7 euros. You buy tickets at the museum’s ticket office.

>>> Click here to book a guided tour of the palace and cathedral

Pro Tips : If you want to climb the tower for views, it closes at 2:30 pm. So try to arrange your visit before lunch.

Is Almudena Cathedral Worth Visiting?

Well, it depends on your mindset.

If you are visiting the Royal Palace, the cathedral is right next door, so why not pop inside and check out a more modern cathedral?

Plus, it’s perfectly free except for the museum and tower. And I enjoyed the stained glass and even the — gasp — ceilings rendered by an unknown artist.

To the right of the front facade is the Royal Collection Gallery. So, You can combine all three sites connected to the royal family, which makes for a good day of sightseeing.

On the other hand, if you are a cathedral snob (and I am a bit), then you could skip it and just admire the facade. From Calle Factor, there is a beautiful view of it lit up at night.

To most Europeans, Almudena may seem rather ugly because it’s a combination “Neos,” and not a genuine Gothic or Baroque church.

And, to be sure, it simply doesn’t have the pomp and prestige of other cathedrals. But you never know … wait a few hundred years.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Almudena Cathedral. You may find these other Madrid travel guides useful:

• 2 days in Madrid itinerary
• best museums in Madrid
• guide to the Royal Palace
• guide to the Prado Museum
• guide to the Reina Sofia Museum
• guide to the Thyssen-Bornemisza
• guide to the Royal Collection Gallery

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Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

The visit starts with two chambers of the Cathedral: the Chapterhouse and the Sacristy, both decorated with original mosaics by the Slovene priest Fr. Marko Rupnik.

The first gallery is dedicated to the history of the Church in Madrid and its two patron saints: Santa María la Real de la Almudena and Saint Isidro Labrador. After climbing the stairs we reach the highest point of the tour, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the capital city. The second gallery is an exhibition about the Catholic Church Liturgy through the objects used in the celebrations.

Opening Hours.

Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

Closed on sunday and days of special cult acts.

10, Bailén Street, Madrid 28013, Spain.

+34 915 592 874

[email protected]

Contribution for the Cathedral’s maintenance

Personal ticket

REDUCED PRICE

(in order to be charged a reduced tariff, please produce an official id or document).

Students (EU member states, under 25 years old)

Seniors (EU member states, over 65 years old)

People legally registered as unemployed

People legally registered as disabled

Residents in the ecclesiastical province of Madrid

Free entrance

(in order to be charged with a free entrace, please produce an official id or document).

Members of the ICOM

• Please keep your admittance ticket during your whole stay. You might be required to produce it at any time.
• You may use your mobile phone inside the museum, though we pray you to be as quiet as possible in order not to disturb other persons during the visit.
• Approach our staff any time for help or information.
• No photos or videos are allowed inside the museum.
• Sharp-edged objects or weapons such as knives are forbidden in the museum. Shall you bring one with you, you’ll be asked to leave it at the entrance and collect it back at the exit.
• It is forbidden to climb to the balcony’s railing.
• Every month’s first Wednesday, the change of guard takes place in the neighbouring Royal Palace. For security reasons, those days (and during other militar parades) a continued stay in the balcony is not allowed.
• We pray not to eat or drink inside the museum.

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How to visit and what to see at the Almudena Cathedral (Madrid): schedules

On your essential visit to the  Plaza de Oriente in Madrid , where you will find the great monumental jewel that is the  Royal Palace , you can also  visit the Almudena Cathedral .

This is the  main ecclesiastical building in Madrid , which curiously only recently has the title of  cathedral , and which houses the figure of the patron saint of Madrid, the  Virgin of the Almudena .

Indeed, since the 16th century  Madrid  happened to be the  capital of Spain , there was a need to provide it with a cathedral monument.

But it wasn't until  year 1993   when the building was consecrated as  cathedral  by  Pope Juan Pablo II .

All the information in detail

• 1 Curiosities history Almudena Cathedral
• 2.1 Model of the neo-Gothic project of the Almudena Cathedral
• 3.1 How to visit the Almudena Cathedral Museum
• 3.2 How to go up to the Terrace of the Almudena Cathedral
• 3.3 What it is like and what to see inside the Almudena Cathedral
• 3.4 Altar of the Virgin of Almudena in Almudena Cathedral
• 3.5 Why the Virgin of Almudena is Patroness of Madrid
• 3.6 What are the stained glass windows of the Almudena Cathedral like?
• 3.7 Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral
• 4.1 Hours and ticket prices for the Almudena Cathedral museum

Curiosities history Almudena Cathedral

As a historical reference, it is worth mentioning that the first intention in the 16th century to provide Madrid with a cathedral building focused on reforming the then  church of Santa María de la Almudena .

This was a building of medieval origin that was located near where we now find the  Cathedral of the Almudena .

In fact, even now you can see the archaeological remains of said  medieval church of Almudena .

But this attempt ran into resistance from the  Archdiocese of Toledo , which tried to ensure that Madrid was not the seat of its own diocese.

When in 1868 the medieval  Almudena church  that had been trying to reform, all efforts were now focused on  build a great cathedral for Madrid .

Finally it was in 1883 when the  King Alfonso XII  laid the first stone on land given by the  Royal Heritage . In parallel, the diocese of  Madrid-Alcalá .

What is the architecture of the Almudena Cathedral like?

One of the features that will surprise you the most on your visit is its great mix of  architectural styles .

You may not know that the original project of  Marquis of Cubas , prepared at the end of the 19th century, involved the construction of a  great neogothic cathedral , following the fashion that prevailed at that time.

In this way, the cathedral that was going to be built in  Madrid  intended to emulate the  Reims cathedral , in France.

Now, the first thing that was built was the  Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral , riding a  neo-romanesque style , which can be accessed from the adjacent  Cuesta de la Vega , which was completed in 1911.

From then on, the works were paralyzed, and even more so after the  Civil War .

When you visit it you will see the majesty of its construction, with large colonnades that are unmistakably Romanesque.

In 1950 the project was resumed , which was commissioned to  Fernando Chueca Goitia  y  Carlos Sidro , and that was when the new style  neoclassic  of the outside of the new cathedral building.

This is because when the construction of the current building of the Cathedral of the Almudena , an architectural premise was that it formed a  monumental complex with the Royal Palace of Madrid .

Of course, the style was maintained  neo-gothic  of the initial project for the construction of its interior.

After a new pause in the works in 1965, the works were finally resumed in 1983, until the aforementioned final consecration as Madrid Cathedral .

Regarding the external configuration of the  Cathedral of the Almudena , the aesthetic impression that its two facades produce on you is totally different.

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La  main facade  of this great  Madrid monument , the one that faces north facing the  Armory Square of the Royal Palace , have a  neoclassical , very austere, in line with the aesthetics of the palace itself.

On the other hand, the façade that is usually used to enter the cathedral, the one that faces the  Bailen street , in front of  main Street , shows us a  Baroque , especially because of the majesty of the great dome of the cathedral.

Model of the neo-Gothic project of the Almudena Cathedral

And the Baroque The exterior of the dome contrasts greatly with  inside of it and of the entire cathedral building, which, as we have commented, is of  neo-gothic style .

If you visit the Almudena Cathedral Museum in Madrid , you will have the opportunity to see a  spectacular model of said original project .

The great architectural difference between that model of a pronouncedly Gothic cathedral and the building that you can see when visiting the cathedral today never ceases to surprise.

If this neo-Gothic cathedral project had been built, with its 104 meters in length and more than 100 meters high at its highest point, the  Cathedral of the Almudena  would have been significantly larger than, for example, the  Gothic cathedral of Burgos .

This is the visit to the Almudena Cathedral

When you get to the  Plaza de Oriente  and you are in front of the majestic  Royal Palace , on the left you will see the large dome and the two towers of the  Cathedral of the Almudena .

When you plan the visit of the Almudena Cathedral , this can not only be limited to access to the interior of the temple, but you will also have the opportunity to see other notable corners.

In addition to the temple, you can visit the cathedral museum , access the summit and its main façade to see beautiful panoramic views of Madrid , and you can also go to the neo-romanesque crypt which occupies the lower part of the cathedral.

To make the most of your visit to the Almudena Cathedral , I advise you the following route.

How to visit the Almudena Cathedral Museum

The first thing you can do is visit the Almudena Cathedral museum , which you will access through the main façade of the temple that faces the Armory Square of the Royal Palace .

Here you can sign up for one guided tour of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral , during which in three hours and with skip-the-line tickets, you will visit both monuments of the capital with the company of a tour guide

On this visit you will see the Chapter Room and Sacristy , and then you will go up to the upper terrace of the aforementioned facade, from where you will have  the best views of the Royal Palace .

On this upper floor you will tour the two long galleries where the museum's artistic works are exhibited.

How to go up to the Terrace of the Almudena Cathedral

You will then go up to the Terrace of the Almudena Cathedral , located in the dome, from where you have different and spectacular views of this historic area of ​​Madrid.

What it is like and what to see inside the Almudena Cathedral

Afterwards you will go down to visit the interior of the temple of the Almudena Cathedral , which you will access next to its main door, the one on the north façade.

On this visit you will surely be struck by the striking combination of neogothic architectural style and with a modern and very colorful design decoration .

Altar of the Virgin of Almudena in Almudena Cathedral

You will also see that the altar dedicated to   Virgin of the Almudena , P atrona of Madrid to whom the cathedral is dedicated, occupies a prominent place in it.

Indeed, when you enter the cathedral through the side door of the Bailen Street , just on the opposite side you will find the  great altar of the Virgin of the Almudena .

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Located on the right side of the temple, it is a large  altarpiece of John of Burgundy , from the 16th century, where a carving from the same period as the Virgin of the Almudena , copy of the original.

Why the Virgin of Almudena is Patroness of Madrid

El  origin of the Virgin of the Almudena  as patron saint of Madrid It dates back to the time when the current capital of Spain was a small town known by the name of magerit .

According to tradition, in the year 712, when the Arab invasion occurred, the inhabitants of said town decided to hide a carving of what was then called Virgin of the Vega to avoid possible desecration.

When three centuries later, in  year 1085 , King Alfonso VI He recovered magerit at the hands of the Arabs, he decided to make a procession around the Arab wall to look for the place where the carving had been hidden.

Finally this appeared, and from then on it became known as the  Virgin of the Almudena   (from the Arabic word  almudaina , which means wall).

In the Altar of the Virgin of Almudena A side staircase has been enabled that allows access to the level where the carving is located on a 17th century silver throne.

Under the altar there is a space where the  burial of Maria de las Mercedes , first woman of  King Alfonso XII , great devotee of Virgin of the Almudena and promoter of the construction of the cathedral.

After dying very young, Maria de las Mercedes could not be buried in the  Pantheon of Kings of the Monastery of El Escorial  for not being the mother of a king.

What are the stained glass windows of the Almudena Cathedral like?

In each of the  side naves  you will be able to see six chapels dedicated to contemporary saints, decorated with carvings and furniture of modern design, and with  contemporary style stained glass .

All the stained glass windows in the side naves and chapels show great color and a mix of figuration with geometric shapes.

However,  the most notable stained glass windows  They are those located in the upper part of the apse.

These  stained glass windows of the Almudena Cathedral  They are part of the artistic group commissioned at the time by   painter Kiko Argüello , founder of the religious institution  Neocatechumenals .

The artistic commission also included seven mural frescoes.

Under the vaulted ceiling of the apse you will see the  seven stained glass windows  with totally geometric designs, and under them, seven paintings.

In six of these windows you will be able to see the noun  "word » written in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, Cyrillic and Spanish. And in the seventh window, the one located in the center of the complex, you will see written the name « María «, patron saint of the cathedral.

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After presbytery the traditional gyro , or circular corridor in which five other chapels are located, the one being dedicated  central chapel San isidro labrador  and his wife, Saint Mary of the Head .

There you can see the 13th century funerary ark that for a time preserved the remains of the saint, Patron of Madrid .

Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral

Finally, you must exit through the general access door to the cathedral, the one that faces Bailén Street, and go down to the right along the Cuesta de la Vega.

There you will find the Neo-Romanesque crypt , another surprising corner of the Cathedral of the Almudena , and the first to be built of it.

By following these basic tips, you will make the complete visit to the cathedral, and you will have a real vision of the dimension of this architectural project.

Almudena Cathedral visit schedules

If you would like to  visit the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid , you should know that entry is free, although a donation of one euro is requested.

Air shipments are the most efficient if you need your cargo or documents to arrive quickly and securely. Visiting hours of the Almudena Cathedral They are throughout the year, between 10 a.m. and 20 p.m., except in the summer months, when they are between 10 a.m. and 21 p.m.

If you would like to  visit the Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral , opening hours to the public are from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m.

Here you can check the updated information of the schedules to visit the Crypt of the cathedral, as well as the mass schedules .

Hours and ticket prices for the Almudena Cathedral museum

With regards to   visit of the Almudena Cathedral Museum,  el  Time  It is Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 14,30:XNUMX p.m., and is closed on Sundays and holidays.

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The museum visit includes the possibility of  climb to the dome of the Cathedral  from where you have panoramic views of this historic area of ​​Madrid

El  price of admission  for  visit the Almudena Cathedral museum, both on your own and in a guided group, it is 7 euros.

The visit includes the  Museum ,  Chapter Room ,  Sacristy  and  climb to the Dome of the Cathedral .

There is a  reduced price 5 euros for children from 10 to 16 years old, students up to 25 years old, seniors +65, retirees, large families and the disabled, among other groups.

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José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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Visit Madrid – Almudena Cathedral

Looking up at the Almudena Cathedral , a question came to my mind. What’s the origin of the name of the cathedral? I couldn’t find a literal translation. But after some research, I finally found out where the name came from. “ Almudena ” is a Spanish word originating from the Arabic “al-mudayna” which means citadel . The Royal Palace and the Cathedral are now located here where the ancient Muslim citadel once stood a long time ago. visit madrid.

The history of the Almudena Cathedral visit madrid.

The history of the Almudena Cathedral began in 1868. The Congregation of “Our Lady of Almudena” then asked the Archbishop of Toledo for permission to build a new church dedicated to their Virgin. The country was in the middle of a revolution, and the old place of worship has just been destroyed. The Archbishop accepted the request. On top of that, thanks to the mediation of Queen Maria de las Mercedes of Orleans, a devotee of the “Virgin of Almudena,” the royal house ceded some land in front of the royal palace. Two other unexpected events occurred which will precipitate this decision: the premature death of the queen in 1878 and the decision of King Alfonso XII to make this new church the burial place of his late wife.

The start of the construction

The King ordered the construction of the church.  Architect Francisco de Cubas drew up the first plans for the church in 1879, with the aim of creating a pantheon for the Queen. In 1883, King Alfonso XII laid the first stone.

A major change took place

Building work progressed until a papal bull issued by Leo XIII stopped them. Indeed, in 1885, he established Madrid as a diocese with the aim of creating the bishopric of Madrid-Alcalá . Therefore, Francisco de Cubas had to rethink the plans because the church must now become a cathedral.

He then began a new project more ambitious than the previous one. This time, he took inspiration from the 18th century French Gothic. He added structural elements from the French cathedrals of Reims and Chartres , as well as the Spanish cathedral of León . Finally, he included a large Roman crypt in the ensemble. However, the donations were insufficient and the construction suffered many delays.

In 1899, 16 years after the beginning of the building work, Francisco de Cuba s died. Three architects then took over: Miguel Olabarría , Enrique Maria Repullés , and Juan Moya.

In 1911, the crypt was finished and opened to the public. Construction work for the rest of the building continued until the outbreak of the civil war, during which it was suspended.

When they resumed in 1939, with limited resources, the aesthetic criteria of the time were no longer relevant. The cathedral no longer fit in with its surroundings. The architects had to rethink the plans one more time. One of the major changes was to lower its height to make it more in tune with the royal palace.

The cloister, which the plans have been unchanged, was completed in 1955. For the main facade, new arrangements were made and it took five more years to finish it. It was ultimately completed in 1960.

110 years later, it’s the end of construction

In 1993, the construction was brought to an end. A few months later, on June 15, the cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on his fourth trip to Spain.

However, the cathedral remained unfinished. To this day, it continually requires a lot of finishing and enhancement work to make it as beautiful as it is now. 

Visit of the Almudena Cathedral

The main entrance is northbound. In fact, unlike the east-west orientation of the other cathedrals, it was built on a north-south axis. And the reason is simple. The palace and the cathedral complex have to be harmonious!

Among the beautification work was the renovation in 2000 of the cathedral gates. The cardinal of Madrid commissioned the Spanish sculptor Luis Antonio Sanguino for this project. They were redone in bronze with a Pompeian green patina. He decorated them with themes about the Trinity and references to the Spanish Catholic monarchy.

The main one is the “ Gate of the Holy Trinity. ” The embellishments in the upper part of the gate represent the Mystery of the Holy Trinity with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Another entrance is situated on the east side of the cathedral, with three majestic doors styled in the same way.

The central gate is the “ Cathedral’s Gate of Consecration. “ One can see Pope John Paul II in the presence of Cardinal Suquia and Their Majesties, the kings of Spain. The two side doors show the Virgin Of Our Lady of Almudena and the Blessed Virgin blessing Madrid.

The sanctuary

We entered the cathedral and were in awe. It is strikingly colorful and contrasts with the more austere cathedrals that we are used to visiting.

The sanctuary is beautiful. At the top is a vibrant fresco presenting the seven mysteries of our Salvation: the baptism of Jesus, transfiguration, death, resurrection, ascension to heaven, and Pentecost.

We continued on our way and discovered a small chapel to the right of the sanctuary. Fortunately, there was no one in the cathedral but us. For me, it is a much more pleasant experience to visit a holy place in a solemn atmosphere than a noisy one. visit madrid

The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament

In contrast with the vibrant colors of the sanctuary, inside the chapel the tones are softer with shades of ochre and gold. It was completely redecorated with mosaics in 2011 by Father Ivan Marko Rupnik , a Slovenian Jesuit priest and theologian artist. He is the head of the art workshop at the “ Aletti Centre ” in Rome.

The beauty of the mosaics, the warmth of the tones give this chapel a truly relaxing atmosphere. We stayed here for a little while to admire the artistry.

Back in the nave, we arrived in the transept facing a funerary chapel above which is a bright and impressive ensemble.

“Ascension to the Virgin”

The funerary chapel belongs to Queen Maria de las Mercedes d’Orléans . In November 2000, the church brought her remains here in accordance with the wishes of her husband King Alfonso XII . That was 122 years after the initial request!

Above is a statue of the virgin depicting her as queen, framed by the 14th-century Gothic retable.

The statue is made of gilded and polychrome wood. The virgin rests on a baroque silver throne gifted by the city of Madrid during the reign of Philip IV. Two large candlesticks, also in silver and from the same period, stand on each side.

Behind us, we can admire the floor of the transept. It’s a combination of serpentine green marble from Granada and yellow polished travertine.

We are back in the nave and now face the majestic organ with its 71 rows of pipes.

Looking up, we can see the vaults. The painter José Luis Galicia decorated them using bright colors as well as gold leaves.

It was in this magnificent cathedral that the wedding of King Felipe IV and Queen Letizia took place on the 22nd of May 2004.

Francisco de Cubas also designed the crypt situated beneath the cathedral, both being the same size. The crypt of the Almudena Cathedral is the largest crypt in Spain. 

Its entrance, composed of three semi-circular arches, is on the south side of the cathedral.

The Arab Wall

In front of the entrance is the Arab wall. Make a little detour to see it. These are what remains of the original wall of the city, built during the occupation of the Moors. Also, it has a nice garden.

But back to the crypt — it is the resting place of some of Spain’s noblest families. Francisco de Cubas and Chueca Goitia , the cathedral’s two most important architects, rest here as well.

This neo-Romanesque church has more than 400 columns, each with different carved capitals. Additionally, there are sculptures that represent biblical characters and sceneries in nature. One can even find the symbol of Madrid, the bear and the strawberry tree.

The nave and the main altar

On the main altar is the statue of the Virgin of the Almudena , a replica of the one on display in the cathedral. Beside it is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and San Isidro Labrador .

Isidore the Farm Laborer was a Spanish agricultural worker known for his piety towards the poor and animals. Canonized in 1622, he is the patron saint of farmers and Madrid. He has more than 400 miracles to his name!

The crypt is a pantheon. There are more than a thousand people buried here. Under certain conditions, it is still possible at present to have this as one’s final resting place. All around the crypt, there are 20 chapels, each with its own stained-glass windows and decorated tombs.

The graves are in the aisles on the ground, and I did my best to avoid walking on them. It was, I admit, a few times a little difficult!

Our Lady of the Lily

Here is the painting of Our Lady of the Lily , one of the most beautiful pieces of this crypt. This is probably the oldest image of the Virgin of the city.

The mural comes from the original church of Santa Maria . The artist painted it in the 13th century on one of the church walls, so as not to leave the place without an image of the Virgin.

The painted wall served as an altarpiece and priests conducted masses in front of it. But later, the church built a proper altarpiece that covered the wall and soon the portrait was forgotten. Luckily, in 1623, sacristans moved the altarpiece to clean it and rediscovered the Lady of the Lily.

It was only because of the demolition of the church in 1868 that the painting was first moved to the Convent of the Religious Bernardas , and then, at its final location in the crypt in 1911.

I undoubtedly enjoyed the visit to this cathedral and its crypt. The beauty of the facades foreshadowed a great discovery for us, and I was not disappointed. I particularly liked the contrast between the two monuments— the sober crypt and the colorful cathedral. A must-do when you visit Madrid.

The entrance to the two monuments is free. There is, however, a donation of 2€ requested per person. 

What an incredible history! I can’t believe the cathedral took 110 years to finish construction. The details on the gates are absolutely stunning.

Quite a long time to finish it indeed. But the result worth It.

I didn’t realise it was so new. You don’t imagine cathedrals being built in the last century. I won’t miss this in Madrid.

Yes, you’re right. It’s why its shape is quite different from the oldest cathedrals, and perhaps it explains also why the inside is so colourful.

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17 Best Things to Do in Madrid

By Ramsey Qubein

With incredible shopping, some of the world's most important museums, and a lively theater scene, Madrid’s attractions will entertain you from morning 'til night—and even after that. (The city is notorious for its hard-charging nightlife.) In between, pack your days with a stroll through Retiro Park, whirlwind stops at colorful markets, and perhaps even a primer on the cultural heritage of bullfighting. There’s an Egyptian temple to explore, “temples of fashion,” and the world's best soccer team (sorry Barça fans). Whatever moves you when you travel, these highlights will keep any itinerary stacked for days. These are the best things to do in Madrid.

Click the link to read our complete Madrid city guide .

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Arrow

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía welcomes more annual visitors than the Prado, although its collection couldn't be more different. Traditionalists will prefer the Prado; this museum, however, is decidedly contemporary. The most famous work here is Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” a moving anti-war response to the bombing of the northern Spanish town of Guernica. Most of the galleries focus on 20th-century Spanish art, including many works by Salvador Dalí. In lieu of stern, gilt-framed portraits, you’re more likely to encounter video installations and free-form displays that showcase modern artistic expression. Like most popular museums, this place gets busy. Arrive early to get a head start on long museum lines, which reach their crescendo during the last two hours of the day—when admission is free.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Arrow

Bullfighting is an undeniable part of Spanish culture, and Las Ventas, in the Salamanca district, is an iconic landmark known for its Moorish design and ceramic tiles. Today, in spring and fall, the venue remains an important arena for bullfights. Bear in mind that good seats in the shade aren't cheap—and that many travelers won't have the stomach to watch the bullfights (or may simply not want to engage with the practice). If you're interested in seeing the arena, though, you can still tour it without seeing the main spectacle.

Teleférico de Madrid Arrow

Madrid Teleférico is a cable car service that connects both sides of Madrid, crossing the river and helping locals avoid rush-hour traffic on their morning and evening commutes. You'll also see photo-snapping tourists and some families—on the other side of the river is Casa de Campo , an amusement park and zoo. It's a great way to gain a new perspective of the city, especially its vast quantity of green spaces.

Palacio de Liria Arrow

Packed with important artwork, this private residence of the Alba family (relatives still live on the second floor), has finally flung open its doors to the public. You could be forgiven for having flashbacks from the Prado here. It is packed with memorable works from El Greco, Titian, and Velázaquez just like the city’s most famous museum. Don’t miss Goya’s portrait of the 13th Duchess of Alba; if it looks familiar, that’s because until recently it was on loan to the Thyssen-Bornemisza . What is particularly special here, beyond the artwork display, is the large library onsite that includes handwritten work from Christopher Columbus (the largest collection in the world) and a first edition of Don Quijote by the famous Miguel de Cervantes. You’re going to find a lot here that you won’t spy elsewhere.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Devra Ferst

Madrid Atocha Train Station Arrow

Although it's a working train station, Atocha is known for much more than its resident mode of transit. In the spectacular atrium, the original part of the station is a botanical garden features more than 5,000 plants spanning 400 different species. Surrounding the gardens are dozens of shops and dining outlets, making this a hub of activity—even if you don't plan on actually leaving Madrid. And if you are , arrive early so you can explore the rich complex.

Palacio de Cibeles Arrow

You'll find Palacio de Cibeles at one of the city's most important intersections along the famous Paseo del Arte. The building, today the seat of Madrid City Council, was once the city's Telecommunications Palace, housing Spain's post office headquarters. Inside is a newly opened cultural center with regular concerts and rotating exhibits. At the very least, walk past this grand structure to admire it from afar, especially when the fountains in front are doing their thing.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Arrow

Named for the team's long-running president, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home of Real Madrid, the city's beloved pro soccer team. The stadium is something of a temple for soccer fans—81,000 of them when the place is full—which explains the palpable energy whenever the home team scores a goal. Kids especially will get a kick out of the behind-the-scenes tour, which visits the locker rooms, training areas, trophy room, and even the team's seats.

Temple of Debod Arrow

Just behind Plaza de España (which is under construction at the moment), is where you'll find the hillside Cuartel de la Montaña Park featuring an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. It is still easily accessible during work on the plaza. Gifted to Spain from the Egyptian government, the Temple of Debod was a thank-you for their assistance in protecting the temples of Abu Simbel from flooding following the construction of Egypt's Aswan Dam; when it was transported to Madrid, it was taken apart and rebuilt stone by stone to its original specifications. Decorative motifs and projections on the side of the temple help tell the story of the historic structure.

Museo Nacional Del Prado Arrow

Undoubtedly the most celebrated museum in Madrid—and one of the most visited in Europe—the Prado is a must-see attraction. Its neoclassical façade is a prominent part of the Paseo del Prado, home to three well-known art museums (the Prado, along with the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum). Inside is a primer on Spanish and European art, with an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures from Spain's biggest names, including Diego Velazquez, El Greco, and Francisco Goya. Make a beeline for the most famous works first: “Las Meninas” by Velazquez and Goya’s “Third of May 1808.” And arrive early to beat the crowds, which are at their peak during the last two hours of the day (when admission is free).

Cinco Museos Arrow

While not a guided tour, this discounted pass gives you access to five art museums that might otherwise not initially catch your attention. These include the Museum of Romanticism, the Sorolla Museum , the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Cerralbo Museum, and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. For only 12 euros, you have ten days to visit each of these museums. Start with the Sorolla Museum, once the Valencian artist’s family home, where his numerous vibrant landscape paintings detail colorful beach scenes from the Mediterranean. At the National Museum of Decorative Arts, everything from silverware and porcelain to musical instruments and antique fans are on display. When you tire of gilt-framed portraits and paintings, it offers an alternative view of Spanish history.

Almudena Cathedral Arrow

Almudena Cathedral sits adjacent to the Royal Palace , once the home of several reigning monarchs through Alfonso XIII, in the heart of the city center. Both imposing landmarks are free to enter, as are the surrounding gardens, and both are important places to visit for their design and lavish interiors. In addition, the neo-Romanesque crypt and adjacent cemetery of La Almudena hold many notable Spaniards—it's like history come to life. These are must-visit stops for any visitor to Madrid, if only to experience both structures from the outside.

Mercado de San Miguel Arrow

Get a real taste for the diversity of Spanish cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel, an always-happening food hall in a historic ironwork building. Instead of committing to one restaurant , you can sample from more than two dozen—a key reason why the market is a draw with both tourists and locals. Although prices are high, many vendors offer free samples. Try the banderillas (skewers of olives, veggies, and seafood) for about 1 or 2 euros apiece.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Arrow

Thyssen-Boremisza Museum is one of Madrid’s top museums forming the Art Walk (or Paseo del Arte), which also includes the Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Once you’ve seen the Prado, this should be your next stop—that is, if you’re into art and design. The collection here straddles the line between its two siblings, with galleries chock full of well-known paintings by Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many others, including a few American names, too. Reserve tickets online and arrive early to avoid any long lines—and avoid Monday afternoons, when the museum swings open its doors for free.

Parque del Buen Retiro Arrow

The perfectly manicured Parque del Buen Retiro is the largest park in Madrid. There's something for everyone here, from jogging paths to a lake with row boats that can be rented by the hour. It's easy to get around thanks to plentiful signage, but the gravel pathways may be cumbersome for those without comfortable shoes. If time is of the essence, head for the lake and the Palacio de Cristal, which hosts rotating art exhibitions, all free to the public.

Calle de Fuencarral Arrow

Blink and you might miss Calle de Fuencarral, a narrow pedestrian street off Gran Via. Street performers entertain as shoppers pop in and out of stores—mostly international chains with a few local boutiques thrown in for good measure. You can't get lost, although the side streets are also worth a peek. The road is almost entirely flat—no cobblestones here. Still, save those high heels for the fancier Calle Serrano.

El Rastro Arrow

El Rastro, one of Europe's most famous flea markets, is an indie shopper's dream. Open each Saturday and on public holidays, Plaza de Cascorro comes alive with hundreds of stalls where you can peruse souvenirs, antiques, and clothes. Come early to snatch up the best deals, and don't be afraid to bargain. You can cover a lot of ground if you arrive at 9 a.m. right when it opens—you'll beat the crowds.

Royal Palace of Madrid Arrow

Towering over manicured gardens, a regal courtyard and the nearby Almudena Cathedral , history comes alive in this must-visit city landmark. While no longer the home of any royals, kings and queens slumbered here for centuries before relocating to a more private residence on the outskirts of town. Among its 3,000 rooms is a Royal Armory and an impressive gallery of notable Spanish masterpieces. From the outside, the building is jaw-droppingly large and its adjoining Sabatini Gardens are a place for quiet reflection within frenetic Madrid. Inside, medieval history fans hit the jackpot with the suits of armor, shields, and antique weaponry on display. You can’t help but adjust your posture and hold your head high as you imagine the aristocratic lifestyle of those who once strolled these halls.

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• 10 Most Beautiful Churches In Madrid That Are On Every Globetrotter’s Bucket List

26 Jun 2023

The beautiful city of Madrid is known for its art, culture and architecture all over the world. It serves as the capital of Spain, which is why for centuries the city has provided shelter to different artists, architects and painters. You can see the influence in the buildings of Madrid – past or present. One such strong tradition of the city are the churches in Madrid, which were designed by the most renowned architects of their times. Read on to know more about the top 10 most beautiful churches in Madrid.

10 Best Churches In Madrid

Here’s a list of the ten top churches of Madrid that are a true epitome of class and architecture. Take a look and note down the ones you don’t want to out during your next trip to Europe.

1. La Almudena Cathedral

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One of the famous cathedrals in Madrid, this beautiful church is right next to the Royal Palace in the city. The cathedral was opened for the public after being blessed by the Pope John Paul II while he was visiting the city of Madrid in the late nineties. The uncommon feature of the church is the location of the cross, which is North-South, instead of the usual East-West. A place to worship Virgin Mary, this Madrid Cathedral has stunning interiors as well as exteriors and every corner makes for beautiful pictures.

Location: Calle Bailén 10, Madrid Timing: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (closed during religious services for tourists)

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2. Iglesia De San Manuel Y San Benito

A grand example of the amazing Byzantine Revival art and architecture famous in Eastern Europe, this stunning church is built right across Retiro, the biggest park in the city. The church was built in the early 1900’s, with its dome one of the most iconic features of this place. The dome has four Apostles depicted on it and along with the marble altar, it adds humongously to the beauty of this church.

Location: Calle de Alcalá, 83, Madrid

3. Parroquia de la Santa Cruz

Image Credit: Catedrales e Iglesias by Flickr

Built in Neo Mudejar style, this church in central Madrid has St. Jude Thaddeus as its patron saint. Located just about a hundred metres from the Plaza Mayor, this church is a favourite among tourists. The facade here is done in Baroque style which leads up to the grand and exquisite interiors. Although the place has low lighting and might even seem too dark from inside, the whole aura adds to the spirituality of the place.

Location: Calle de Atocha 6, Madrid Timing: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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4. Iglesia De San Jerónimo El Real

One of the famous churches in Madrid Spain, this beautiful church is perched on a hill across the Museo del Prado, the National Art Museum, Spain. The church has been renovated quite some times as it in fact was a monastery till sixteenth century. For centuries, it stood next to the royal palace, serving as the royal church. Today, it stands in its Gothic style, looking down at visitors and believers. The low lit inside with the jaw dropping interiors make for a true and beautiful experience in the city of Madrid.

Location: Calle Moreto 4, Madrid Timing: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Suggested Read: 15 Best Wedding Venues In Madrid To Make Your Day Even More Special

5. Oratorio Del Caballero De Gracia

This beautiful chapel hidden in the central Madrid is a place of worship for the Opus Dei, a conservative section of Catholics. Built in the neoclassical style, the chapel might not be the easiest one to spot while walking on the road. However, its mystery adds to the beauty and solemnity of the place. You can stop by and meditate a little in this place, which is also one of the must-see places in Europe, to get away from the sound of the rest of Madrid.

Location: Calle Caballero de Gracia, 5, Madrid Timing: 10:00 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Suggested Read: Winter In Spain: A Guide That’ll Help You Curl Up Amid The Country’s Eternal Charm

6. Basílica de la Concepción de Nuestra Señora

The Basilica of Our Lady of Conception is surely one of the most beautiful Madrid churches. Located on the Goya street, this white, neo gothic temple is built with intricate details. The altarpiece with the beautiful Lady of Immaculate Conception in white sits right with the blue coloured dome. The place has light coming in and creating the right kind of energy for meditation and prayers. The facade and rest of the interiors are again soothing to the eyes.

Location: Calle de Goya, 26, Madrid

Suggested Read: 10 Best Madrid Hotels To Relish Awesome Spanish Hospitality On Your Vacation!

7. Basilica of San Francisco El Grande

A beautiful and grand basilica near the Royal Palace, this beautiful place is done in the neoclassical style. Built in the 18th century, this is one of the most iconic Catholic churches in Madrid. The beautiful facade facing the Plaza of San Francisco, one of the biggest domes in churches from all over the world, and other such features make this stunning place a must-visit for every tourist. The interiors full with murals and paintings done on walls as well as the ceilings are reminders of the Renaissance, however the church was built in the later half of 18th century.

Location: Calle San Buenaventura, 1, Madrid Timing: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (closed on Sunday & Monday)

Suggested Read: Trekking In Spain: 10 Best Places For Indulging In An Ultimate Adventure Like Never Before!

8. Iglesia de San Sebastián

Located close to the Santa Cruz Church, this beautiful church was first built in late 16th century, however, it was rebuilt in 1960’s after being heavily damaged in the Civil War as well as the bombings by the Nationalists in 1936. Many of its possessions were thus transferred to other churches and cities. However, located in the touristy Madrid, the church is today visited by many. You can find a number of different statues as well as oil paintings of San Antonio, Virgin Mary, Saint Sebastian and others.

Location: Calle de Atocha 39, Madrid Timing: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

9. Iglesia de San Gines de Arles

One of the most beautiful places in Madrid, this place is designed in a mix of Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The references to this church start somewhere in the ninth century, which makes it one of the oldest churches in Madrid. It is a go-to place for the natives to celebrate festivals and perform religious rituals. Before La Almudena, this was the most important place of worship in the city.

Additional Info: The place is also home to the famous work The Purification of the Temple by El Greco. Location: Calle del Arenal, 13, Madrid

Suggested Read: 10 National Parks Of Spain That Will Take The Travelers To Another World

10. Iglesia Arzobispal Castrense

Completely ruined in the 1900’s, this complex has only the church standing, reminiscent of an era that once was. A beautiful specimen of Baroque style, this stunning church is the seat of Military Archbishop of Spain, which is why it is also known as the Cathedral Church of Armed Forces.

Location: Calle del Sacramento, 11, Madrid Timing: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Further Read: 8 Best Spanish Cuisines That Will Make You Fall In Love With Spain All Over Again!

These beautiful churches in Madrid are a witness to the glorious art and culture of European imperialism, which is why they appear on every globetrotter’s bucket list. Now, plan your trip to Spain with TravelTriangle and the rest of Europe for an impeccable experience while visiting these attractions.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Churches In Madrid

Which sect of Christian faith churches is found more in Madrid?

You can find many Catholic churches in Madrid. They are of classical and modern-day churches.

What type of Christian worship places is present in Madrid?

You can find standard churches, basilicas, and Cathedral in and around Madrid.

In what architectural pattern the churches present in Madrid?

Churches in Madrid are present in Neo-classical styles, Neo Mudejar style, Gothic style, and modern style.

What are the Madrid church timings?

Most of the churches in Madrid are open in the morning and evening masses. Yet, the churches under cultural and heritage importance in Madrid are open throughout the day for tourists.

Is it worth visiting the churches in Madrid while in Madrid holidays?

Yes, they are worship places and tourist attractions too. They are worth visiting to see the architectural marvels, paintings, murals, color glassworks, and sculptors.

Is it possible to enter any of the churches present in Madrid while on the Madrid tour?

Yes, you can visit as a tourist or for attending mass during the permitted timing of a church. Yet, entry for tourists is restricted when there is any religious function.

Why is La Almudena Cathedral the most beautiful in Madrid?

This cathedral is the finest standing example of Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Romanesque architectural marvels in Madrid. It has beautiful stone artworks on granites and marbles.

When to visit the churches present in Madrid, Spain?

There are no special seasons to visit the churches present in Madrid. Yet, you can find more rush during the peak season from September to November and March to May.

Is it possible to carry photo cameras inside the churches present in Madrid, Spain?

Yes, it is advisable not to put the flash lights-on while taking photos inside the churches present in Madrid.

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In Madrid, an essential museum for art lovers. (Not the Prado.)

The Royal Collections Gallery tells a coherent story of monarchy, power, art and religion.

Madrid is full of essential museums: the Prado , of course, and the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza , all within a short walk of each other. Add to that a relative newcomer, the Royal Collections Gallery , which opened this past summer on the plaza next to the Royal Palace . Three sprawling exhibition halls have been deftly integrated into the commanding overlook between the Royal Palace and the gardens below, a new, sleek, modernist structure disguised as a retaining wall with a discreet entrance that doesn’t distract from the more classical architecture of the 18th-century royal residence.

The Style section

With more than 650 objects on display, drawn from the vast Patrimonio Nacional collection, the museum tells a coherent story in a remarkably clear and vivid way. It charts the history of Spain from the waning of the Middle Ages through the discovery of America, the age of the Habsburgs and then the Bourbons, to the present day. Art plays a key role in this narrative, and while the new museum can’t compete with the riches of the Prado, it includes significant works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, El Greco, Durer and Goya. These are integrated with books and manuscripts, jewelry, religious artifacts, furniture, and other luxury goods.

It could all be a hodgepodge, a warehouse of wealth and excess. But the curators have edited the story smartly, such that the treasures don’t simply say the same thing over and over: Yes, the rulers of Spain were fabulously wealthy. Among the oldest works on display, and the first that visitors encounter, are a small votive cross and crown, both made of gold sometime in the 7th century. They seem relatively modest, even frail, typical of an age when Spain was divided into smaller kingdoms and royal life was itinerant. Before these works were recorded as part of the royal treasury in a 1504 document signed by Queen Isabella, they were easily portable markers of royal and religious authority.

Tapestry was also a portable art form, and the museum has a magnificent collection. The quality and state of preservation is exceptional. The gold woven into an image of the Nativity, made around 1492, still gleams. The colors and detail of a huge, hagiographic depiction of Charles V reviewing his troops in Barcelona made around 1534 are still wonderfully vivid. And both works point beyond themselves to larger moments in history, the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, and the display of the Charles V tapestry in Westminster Cathedral to honor the marriage of Philip II to the English Mary Tudor in 1554, a union that might have changed history had it lasted longer and produced an heir.

The discovery of America is seen both directly and indirectly, through the magnificent wealth accumulated by the Habsburg rulers, wealth that furthered their power, ambition and self-glorification. Among the manuscripts on display is a 16th-century version of Bernardino de Sahagun’s “Universal History of the Things in New Spain.” This isn’t the famous Florentine Codex at the Laurentian Library in Florence, but another edition of perhaps the most important work of ethnography since Tacitus’s “Germania” some 14 centuries earlier. A deeply problematic book, it compiled Sahagun’s decades of study of what remained of the Aztec people after Spain’s brutal conquest of their empire.

It is also a reminder that the symbiotic relationship between wealth, art and royalty also extended to knowledge. And while Sahagun’s survey of the Aztecs is invaluable, it served his larger mission — which was evangelization, also known as the destruction of culture.

The museum is smartly divided between the Habsburg dynasty, on the first level below the plaza entrance, and the Bourbon dynasty, one floor below that. Connecting them are wide ramps and atrium spaces with fine views over the sprawling gardens of the Campo del Moro.

The change from the Habsburgs to the Bourbons is as shocking to the contemporary visitor as it must have been to the people of Spain in 1700. The last of the Habsburgs, Charles II, died without an heir and stipulated that the crown be passed to a grandson of Louis XIV. That sparked more than a decade of war, and the arrival of French style: grandiloquent, refined and vulgar, all at the same time. The destruction by fire of the old royal palace in Madrid also gave Philip and his successors a blank slate. The result was the current structure, which is the largest still-functioning royal palace in Europe.

The Bourbon floor may disappoint art lovers, as the focus shifts from some of the greatest figures of the 16th and 17th centuries to names like Louis-Michel van Loo and Anton Rafael Mengs, who served the court with a virtuosity entirely at the service of their patron’s pretensions. The grandeur of the art seems inversely proportional to Spain’s declining fortunes as a world power. But there are delights among the myriad high-end home goods, including splendid still lifes by Luis Meléndez and a Goya portrait of Charles IV that pleased the monarch despite the look of placid, good-natured stupidity on his face.

The story shifts from the splendor of art to other narratives, including the invention of Spain as an exotic other — perfumed, languorous, erotically charged — within the European imagination. Spain’s defeat by the United States in the Spanish-American War in 1898 followed decades of political upheaval, and there was worse to come. Black-and-white films document the dreadful descent into a hard-line, Catholic totalitarianism under Francisco Franco in the 1930s.

The royal collections had devolved to the Spanish people only a few years earlier, in 1931, and the idea for a museum dates to the end of the Spanish Republic in 1936. It took decades before that ambition became a reality, and even then, there were delays. The building, an exceptionally tasteful piece of contemporary design by architects Emilio Tuñón Álvarez and Luis Moreno García-Mansilla, was actually finished in 2015. Creating the interior displays began in 2018 and, in the process, the number of objects was reduced from 900 to the current 650, a smart choice that in no way diminishes the sense that a complicated story has been told fully and with nuance.

It isn’t an easy story to tell, especially given the lingering, vestigial fascination with royalty that afflicts even the most democratically minded people. This is a toxic disease with glorious symptoms, an efflorescence of beauty on the muck of geopolitics. Perhaps because this material belongs to the Spanish people, perhaps because Spain has largely and lately been a success story, perhaps because it is Spain and not England (whose monarchy Americans fetishize for inexplicable reasons), the narrative feels appropriately dispassionate and objective. One can also buy a ticket for the royal palace across the plaza, but visitors will likely find the longer arc of Spanish history laid out here more cogently and coherently.

The Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. patrimonionacional.es/en/actualidad/galeria-de-las-colecciones-reales

Champions league trophy blessed in cathedral after Real Madrid win

Posted: June 3, 2024 | Last updated: June 3, 2024

Champions league trophy blessed in Almuneda Cathedral in the Spanish Capital after Real Madrid won a 15th UEFA Champions League.

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Best Hotels in Madrid with Rooftop Pools

popular post today

1. Palacio de los Duques

2. casa de las artes, member of meliá collection, 3. hotel emperador, 4. dear hotel madrid, 5. vp plaza españa design, 6. pestana cr7 gran vía, 7. bless hotel madrid, 8. me madrid.

Madrid boasts several luxurious hotels with stunning pools. These hotels offer some of Madrid’s best indoor and rooftop pool experiences, each with unique style and amenities. The rooftop pools provide perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the city’s spectacular views. Here are some of the best options:

Palacio de los Duques is a lavishly refurbished 19th-century palace in the heart of Madrid. One of its standout features is the seasonal rooftop pool that offers stunning views of the Royal Palace and is one of the best rooftop pools in Madrid. There’s also a rooftop hot tub and a rooftop pool bar, perfect for enjoying the sunset.

Combining two historic buildings—a 13th-century convent and the 19th-century Palace of Dukes of Granada de Ega—the hotel has been updated in an avant-garde style while retaining its palatial feel and many original features. The building boasts a magnificent Elizabethan façade with imposing black cast-iron gates at the entrance.

Rooms and communal areas are arranged around a central courtyard with shaded seating areas, decked spaces with relaxed rattan seating, and plenty of trees and greenery. The courtyard feels regal, with beautifully pruned hedges on top of chunky flower pots, resembling porcelain soldiers with leafy heads.

The rooms offer a mix of styles. Some are modern, decorated in shades of chocolate with imposing reproductions of Diego Velázquez’s paintings behind the bed. Others are more traditional, featuring multi-paned windows and intricate ceiling carvings. All rooms are refurbished and feel new. Bathrooms are spacious, with large white baths and glass doors and separators.

This hotel is situated on a peaceful street just steps away from key attractions, including the Teatro Real Opera House and the Opera metro station. The Royal Palace is nearby, and numerous local bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance, making it an ideal base to enjoy the best of Madrid.

Review: Hotel Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, Madrid

Recommended Post In "Reviews"

Hotel Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is a lavish refurbished 19th-century palace with a prime location in the heart of Madrid. Perhaps the highlight here is the seasonal rooftop pool overlooking the Royal Palace. This hotel can be found on a peaceful street that's just steps from the action including the Teatro Real Opera House and Opera metro station which is a minute's walk away. The Royal Palace is nearby and there are tonnes of local bars and restaurants within staggering distance. This beautiful hotel combines two historic buildings.

Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection is a boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid, Spain, on the prestigious Gran Vía. Its interiors are adorned with luxurious materials such as marble, fine wood, and rich textiles, complemented by contemporary furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities. This blend of old and new creates a timeless, refined aesthetic.

The main bar has hugely high ceilings, stained glass windows, and red walls. Because of these features, it feels a little like a church or a place of worship and is very unusual and elegant. Metal installations give a slightly lower and less cavern-like effect, but the room remains impressive.

There is no rooftop pool here, but the indoor pool is one of the best in the city and offers a tranquil escape. The thermal pool spa, inspired by ancient Roman baths, provides a sensory journey for body and mind rejuvenation.

The hotel also features unique spaces like the Cine Collection, a hidden gem that pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age, with a private screening room perfect for celebrating the seventh art. The hotel’s meeting rooms and concierge service ensure that travelers have everything they need.

The rooms have a clean white aesthetic with whimsical oatmeal net curtains hanging in front of the windows. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as air conditioning, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection is an artistic haven, drawing inspiration from Madrid’s rich cultural heritage while providing modern amenities and services. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, art, and contemporary luxury in the heart of Madrid.

Review: Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection, Madrid

Hidden in the historic Barrio de las Letras, Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection celebrates Madrid's Golden Age's rich cultural and artistic heritage. This modern tribute to art, literature, and creativity is ideally situated between Atocha and Moratín streets, providing a perfect refuge for artists and enthusiasts alike. The Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection is situated in the heart of Madrid, Spain, on the prestigious Gran Vía.

The rooftop pool at Hotel Emperador is one of the largest in Madrid and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It is large enough to swim lengths in and is flanked by loungers with a second terrace that includes a bar and further lounging areas, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the skyline.

Dear Hotel Madrid is located on Gran Vía. This boutique hotel offers a fabulous rooftop terrace called “Nice to Meet You,” complete with an infinity pool that overlooks the iconic Gran Vía. The rooftop restaurant and bar are perfect for enjoying a meal or cocktail with a view.

VP Plaza España Design is located on Plaza de España. The hotel’s rooftop pool is part of the “Ginkgo Sky Bar,” offering spectacular views of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. The stylish terrace is great for relaxing. The small pool on the stylish decked terrace area comes complete with loungers, and you can enjoy the sophisticated bar and restaurant.

Pestana CR7 Gran Vía is co-owned by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and features a rooftop terrace with a sleek pool and sports bar. The rooftop area offers great views of the city and a vibrant atmosphere.

The Bless Hotel features the “Picos Pardos Sky Lounge,” a chic rooftop terrace with a pool, sunbeds, and a stylish bar. The views over the Salamanca neighborhood are impressive, and the rooftop is known for its luxurious ambiance.

Known for its stylish design and vibrant atmosphere, the ME Madrid features a rooftop terrace called “Radio Rooftop Bar” with trendy seating areas hidden under parasols and surrounded by greenery, and stunning views of the city. It’s a popular spot for guests and locals, but there is no pool here; this hotel only offers a rooftop terrace.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Image courtesy of Palacio de los Duques.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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1 person arrested at protest at the University of Pittsburgh; Cathedral of Learning closed

Protesters gathered outside the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

PHOTOS: Protesters gather at the University of Pittsburgh

Some tents were set up on the lawn outside of the Cathedral.

At 7:21 p.m. Pitt Police said the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union would be closed until further notice. They also believe traffic will be impacted near Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Blvd.

Protesters say they stand with the people of Palestine.

One person was detained at the protest while Channel 11 was at the scene.

We got the criminal complaint overnight for Donald Johnson, who, Pitt police say was preventing officers from doing their duties by using his body as a barrier as protesters were running cases of water toward the encampment. Police said they do not have a permit for food or water.

Protesters are calling for the University of Pittsburgh to sever any ties with Israel or companies promoting the Israel-Hamas War.

View the document below for a full list of demands from the protesters.

6 2 24 Press Release by john.blinn828 on Scribd

A smaller group of people touting the flag of Israel and an American flag also arrived at the scene.

The war began on Oct. 7 after Hamas attacked Israel’s Southern border and around 1,200 people were killed. Over 36,430 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israel’s offensive, the Gaza Health Ministry reports. It does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

A very high police presence has been monitoring the situation. Channel 11 has reached out to Pitt Police and Pennsylvania State Police for further comment and has not heard back.

Early Monday morning, a Pitt spokesman sent the following statement:

“At approximately 6:00 p.m. on June 2, two demonstrations taking place in Oakland converged on the Cathedral of Learning lawn. The group of demonstrators quickly erected wooden barricades, fencing, and other structures with tents inside. Due to the number of protestors present, University of Pittsburgh Police are working with the City of Pittsburgh Police, Allegheny County Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Carnegie Mellon University and Carlow University. We continue to monitor the situation and, as of 11 p.m., one arrest has been made on-site by the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. The person arrested was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and obstruction and is not affiliated with the University.”

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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Monday Briefing

South Africa rejects the party that ended apartheid.

By Daniel E. Slotnik

South Africa rejected the party that ended apartheid

The African National Congress lost its political monopoly in South Africa for the first time since vanquishing the country’s last white-led regime 30 years ago.

When votes were counted on Saturday, the A.N.C. received only about 40 percent of the vote, a steep drop from the nearly 58 percent that the party won in the 2019 election and far short of winning an absolute majority.

The party, which rose to international acclaim on the shoulders of Nelson Mandela, will now have two weeks to cobble together a government with one or more rival parties. Without an absolute majority, the A.N.C. can no longer handpick the country’s president, and President Cyril Ramaphosa may not have a second term.

One major question is whether the A.N.C. will embrace or shun Jacob Zuma, its former leader, who resigned as president in 2018 because of corruption charges. A party he formed just six months ago won 15 percent of the vote. Here’s what could happen next .

Context: Rampant crime, shortages of electricity and water and one of the world’s highest unemployment rates have led to exasperation with the A.N.C., especially among younger South Africans .

Mexico poised to elect its first female president

Mexican voters awaited results in an election yesterday that will almost certainly conclude with the country electing its first female president .

The two main candidates were women: Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist representing the ruling party led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Xóchitl Gálvez, a businesswoman on a ticket made up of opposition parties. The contest showcased the immense strides that women, who weren’t even allowed to vote in Mexico until 1953, have made in the country’s politics.

Follow the preliminary results here .

Biden’s cease-fire plan pressured Netanyahu

President Biden’s proposal for a truce in Gaza has put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in a bind .

With Israel facing growing diplomatic isolation, Netanyahu appears to face a choice between the survival of his hawkish government and a deal to bring hostages home. Hard-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition have said they will abandon it if he accepts the cease-fire before Hamas is destroyed, while centrist leaders have threatened to withdraw their support without a clear path forward.

Here are details about the proposal .

MORE TOP NEWS

Ukraine: The New York Times traced how a web of Russian officials permanently transferred 46 children from Ukraine to Russia , where many are up for adoption.

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to win a third term after general election results are announced tomorrow.

Space: China landed an unmanned probe on the far side of the moon, which earthlings can’t see. The next step: bringing back a sample.

North Korea: Pyongyang sent roughly 1,000 bags of trash by balloons to South Korea. South Korean officials indicated that they might respond by blasting K-pop music across the inter-Korean border.

Donald Trump

Biden: “The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed,” the president said after Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts.

‘Breaking point’: Trump repeated a litany of grievances on Fox News in his first interview after his conviction.

Context: Peter Baker analyzed how America’s system of checks and balances would work if the next president elected were a felon .

The Times columnists Michelle Goldberg and David French join Patrick Healy, the deputy editor of Opinion, to discuss Trump’s criminal conviction . Maureen Dowd checks in with her Republican siblings .

Lydia Polgreen writes that the A.N.C.’s electoral loss “reminds us that the ecstatic moment of freedom’s birth in South Africa 30 years ago was a beginning, not an end.”

Nicholas Kristof presents principles to think through the moral tangle in Gaza.

The critic and essayist B.D. McClay makes a case for (temporary) celibacy .

The Week Ahead

The West: The 80th anniversary of D-Day this week begins an extraordinary stretch of diplomatic summits , where leaders are expected to project unity.

Europe: European Parliament elections , the only way E.U. citizens can have a direct say in shaping the bloc’s policies, begin on Thursday.

Hunter Biden: The president’s son is set to stand trial on charges that he failed to disclose his drug addiction on a form when buying a gun in 2018.

MORNING READ

Starlink, the satellite internet service, has brought the web to the Marubo, an Indigenous tribe that lives in remote villages in the Amazon rainforest.

The Marubo and other Indigenous tribes, which have resisted modernity for generations, are now confronting the potential and peril of the internet all at once, while debating what it will mean for their identity and culture. See this video from my colleague Jack Nicas.

Lives lived: U Tin Oo was a former military leader in Myanmar who turned against his country’s oppressive government and led a pro-democracy movement. He died at 97 .

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Brick by brick: A model of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is gaining legions of adult Lego fans.

Before the Vikings: On an island in Norway, archaeologists unearthed the earliest known ship burial in Scandinavia .

Prehistoric film: “ The Primevals ,” a movie about researchers who discover ancient creatures, was released in theaters this March — three decades after the filming.

SPORTS NEWS

Real Madrid 2, Borussia Dortmund 0: Analysis from the Champions League final .

Las Vegas Grand Prix: Officials predict a smoother race this year after the problems of the inaugural race in 2023.

Trick shot: How the underarm serve rules the French Open .

ARTS AND IDEAS

Franz kafka’s online afterlife.

A century after his death, Franz Kafka has become a TikTok star. Known for nightmarish stories like “The Metamorphosis,” the writer serves as a shorthand for a generation’s growing sense of alienation, my colleague Amanda Hess writes .

“The internet, the very place where we are now expected to craft a self, is also an identity-destabilizing machine,” Hess continues. “When Kafka wrote ‘I have hardly anything in common with myself,’ he could have been describing the experience of confronting one’s own online persona.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

Cook: A Cajun-style spice blend flavors this blackened chicken .

Read: Stephen King’s latest short story collection , “You Like It Darker,” is No. 1 on the hardcover fiction best-seller list.

Listen: To these five classical albums .

Jog: In some of Wirecutter’s favorite running shoes .

Watch: The documentary “ Jim Henson Idea Man ” conjures the visionary who created the Muppets.

Play the Spelling Bee . And here are today’s Mini Crossword and Wordle . You can find all our puzzles here .

That’s all for today. Thank you for spending part of your morning with us, and see you tomorrow. — Dan

P.S. The Times released “ Animal ,” a six-part audio series in which the writer Sam Anderson engages with different creatures.

You can reach Dan and the team at [email protected] .

Daniel E. Slotnik is a general assignment reporter on the Metro desk and a 2020 New York Times reporting fellow. More about Daniel E. Slotnik

Real Madrid to announce signing of Kylian Mbappé next week

France strike confirmed last month he was leaving psg ahead of an anticipated move to spain this summer.

Kylian Mbappé is expected to formally sign for Real Madrid early next week. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images

Real Madrid intend to announce the signing of Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer early this week. The France striker confirmed last month he was leaving Paris Saint-Germain after seven years, and his mother, Fayza Lamari, has admitted he will be going “where everybody knows”, but there has not been a formal announcement of his destination.

Madrid wanted to wait until their season was over before releasing a public statement. With a 15th Champions League title secured and the France coach, Didier Deschamps, saying he wanted his captain’s future resolved before the Euros, Real Madrid are finally in a position to make the announcement, which the club hope will come on Monday.

They do not anticipate being able to present Mbappé until mid-July because France are preparing for this summer’s tournament. It remains to be seen whether Mbappé will also participate at the Olympics.

After Saturday’s Champions League final, Carlo Ancelotti refused to be drawn on Mbappé's arrival, saying he would not talk about any players not in Madrid’s squad, but Jude Bellingham said the forward would “take us to the next level”.

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Mbappé's arrival will close a seven-year pursuit by Madrid, and has been the worst-kept secret in football. The 25-year-old has reached the end of his contract, meaning PSG will lose on a free transfer a player for whom they rejected a €200m offer from Madrid in 2021. Mbappé departs having not secured a Champions League in France, and instead joins the record winners.

Madrid will hold a trophy parade in the city on Sunday evening, taking in the city hall, the cathedral, the statue of Cibeles and finally the Santiago Bernabéu. “This is a love story between Real Madrid and the European Cup,” the president, Florentino Pérez, told Movistar. “Some people leave and others come, but this competition is very much ours.”

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IN THIS SECTION

Real madrid strike twice in second half to secure 15th champions league crown, gardaí unable to cope with ‘sheer scale’ of road traffic crimes flagged by anpr cameras, woman (80) ordered to vacate rented property and to pay over €27,000 in rent arrears, taoiseach moves castlebar media briefing amid protests and interruptions, landlord marc godart still letting rooms in house he told high court he stopped renting from in 2022, have you heard the good news the stories of the companies that get it right, latest stories, russia-ukraine war: china hits back over zelenskiy’s peace summit claims, yemen’s fishermen left high and dry by conflict and extreme weather, ‘knives and kalashnikovs’: violent drug gangs torment french city of marseilles, katie taylor rematch with serrano likely to be moved to frankfurt, el niño that fuelled global temperature spike is forecast by wmo to swing to cooler la niña later this year.

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Follow our news, recent searches, champions league kings madrid deliver on celebration promise, advertisement.

Spanish club poised for more success with expected Mbappe signing

Real Madrid fans crowd Cibeles square to celebrate their team's 15th Champions League trophy, one day after beating Borussia Dortmund (Photo: AFP/Pierre-Philippe MARCOU)

MADRID: Real Madrid celebrated the Spanish title with thousands of supporters in May, pledging to return in June with the Champions League trophy.

Los Blancos delivered on their promise, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley to claim a record 15th European Cup on Saturday (Jun 1).

The triumphant players hit the city's usual celebration hotspots on Sunday (Jun 2) and are set to end up at the club's Santiago Bernabeu stadium where the party will finish, for now at least.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe's expected signing in the coming days should see the festivities continue.

"Vinicius, Ballon d'Or" chants were heard at intervals from fans throughout the afternoon, after the Brazilian netted Madrid's second goal in the final to clinch victory.

Dani Carvajal had opened the scoring with his first Champions League goal for eight seasons, against the run of play after Dortmund had dominated.

However, as they so often tend to do, Madrid found a way to survive and ultimately thrive.

The team's stars, led by president Florentino Perez, made their first stop at the city's Almudena cathedral.

"I don't know which team Jesus would support, but I know that... he would surely appreciate this cup," said the cardinal archbishop of Madrid, Jose Cobo, who was left with a replica trophy.

The team then returned to the Madrid regional government's headquarters to present another replica to president Isabel Diaz Ayuso, whom they also met after winning La Liga.

"If we are here, it's because there's good news," said Real Madrid captain Nacho. "Once again we are champions of Europe. It seems easy to say – 15 time champions... I hope it's many more times."

Nacho, along with Carvajal, the retiring Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, reached a career sixth Champions League victory, equalling the all-time record set by former Madrid winger Paco Gento well over half a century earlier.

Germany international Kroos was singled out for special praise by chief Perez, having set up Carvajal's winner in his final match for Madrid after a decade at the club.

"We are the kings of Europe," sang Carvajal to thousands of white-shirted fans massed in a central square, Puerta del Sol, before calling on Kroos to take the spotlight.

"Three weeks ago I promised you we'd be back," said Kroos, while fans chanted for him to stay.

"Many thanks for ten unforgettable years, I have no more words," added Kroos.

'A NEW DREAM'

While the midfielder is departing, Madrid's success is likely to continue.

"I have already told you that this club is currently working towards the realisation of a new dream – namely the sixteenth European Cup," said Perez.

Madrid will have another 'trophy' to celebrate soon, in the marquee signing of Mbappe, who could help them achieve that dream.

The French forward is finally set for the Santiago Bernabeu after seven years at PSG, many of which Madrid have spent trying to lure him to Spain.

Madrid are expected to announce Mbappe's signing on Monday or Tuesday next week and fans are ready for him to finally fulfil what has long appeared his destiny.

"The relationship between Madrid and the Champions League is legendary, mystical, and so it's very special," said Claudia, 23, while waiting for the team to arrive at Plaza Cibeles, where Madrid celebrate their trophy conquests with supporters.

"He's a player born to play at Real Madrid.

"I'm taking it as done that he's arriving next week... the best players in the world have to play at Madrid, and Mbappe is in the top three players in the world."

Ancelotti is used to managing players of that calibre and won a record fifth Champions League as a coach on Saturday.

The Italian posed once more with a cigar in his mouth, sunglasses and a backwards baseball cap alongside Vinicius, Rodrygo and the team's other Brazilian stars, in what will become another indelible image from the celebrations.

Real Madrid come full circle with second great European dynasty

Real Madrid strike late to beat Dortmund and lift 15th European Cup

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