The footprint of the Augustinian Recollects in Madrid: a historical, spiritual and artistic journey

Madrid is today a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, a meeting point where history, art and spirituality intertwine to form a unique cultural fabric. As the capital of Spain, Madrid welcomes visitors from all over the world with its hospitality and impressive cultural offerings. Every corner of this ancient city bears traces of a past rich in traditions, historical events and artistic manifestations that continue to influence its present.

The city is a true open-air museum, with its emblematic squares, such as Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and its historic monuments, such as the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. However, beyond these iconic spaces, Madrid also hides lesser-known but equally fascinating treasures: churches, convents and other buildings that bear witness to the city’s deep spiritual roots and its relationship with different religious families.

Among these families is that of the Augustinian Recollects, whose influence has left an indelible mark on the cultural and spiritual landscape of Madrid. Over the centuries, the Augustinian Recollects have contributed significantly to the development of religious and cultural life, with works that reflect their dedication and legacy.

Through this itinerary, we invite you to tour the most outstanding places that highlight the presence and impact of the Augustinian Recollects in the city. From majestic temples to spaces of spiritual encounter, each stop on this tour offers a unique experience that combines the magnetism of history with the beauty of architecture and the splendor of sacred art. We encourage you to take this meaningful journey and discover how the Augustinian Recollects have shaped, and continue to shape, the soul of Madrid.

Convent and Church of Our Lady of Copacabana

We begin our route at the former Convent and Church of Our Lady of Copacabana, founded in 1596 thanks to the help of Doña Eufrasia de Guzmán, princess of Ásculi. This place, whose main architect was the friar Lorenzo de San Nicolás, is a testimony of the dedication of the Augustinian Recollects to the spiritual and cultural development of Madrid.

Although the original convent is not fully preserved, some elements of its architecture have survived. For example, the interior courtyard of the current BBVA building at 10 Recoletos Street retains original columns and frequently hosts art exhibitions. Take the opportunity to stroll through the Jardines del Descubrimiento and Paseo de Recoletos, part of the former estate of almost five hectares. The area is steeped in the history of Madrid’s promenades and its tradition as a cultural meeting point.

St. Joseph Parish

On Alcalá Street, we find the parish church of San José, another important point on our route. Inside is the Cristo del Desamparo, a splendid baroque carving made by Alonso de Mena in 1630. This image, transferred here from the Church of Nuestra Señora de Copacabana after the disentailment of 1835, is venerated especially on Good Friday, when the sermon of the seven words is transmitted by radio.

In addition to admiring this work, stop your gaze at the altar of the Guardian Angel of Spain and the tombstone commemorating the marriage of Simon Bolivar, hero of American independence. This temple is not only a place of worship, but also a reflection of the artistic and spiritual values that the Augustinian Recollects promoted in their time.

Calatravas Church

Continuing along Alcalá Street, the Church of Las Calatravas invites you to admire its impressive half-orange dome and its architectural design, the work of Friar Lorenzo de San Nicolás. This temple is a sublime example of Madrid’s classic baroque and a perfect place to reflect on the spiritual and artistic richness of the city.

Inside, every architectural detail reflects the dedication of the Augustinian Recollects to create spaces of contemplation and devotion. Its historic setting also offers an opportunity to explore more of Madrid’s history and its evolution as a cultural and spiritual center.

Royal Monastery of the Incarnation

In the Plaza de Isabel II, near the Royal Theater, is the Royal Monastery of the Incarnation, founded in 1611 by Queen Margaret of Austria. This monastery was destined to consolidate the presence of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Madrid. Its interior houses artistic pieces of incalculable value, such as the reliquary, the choir and the upper and lower cloisters.

We recommend a guided tour of the monastery museum, where you can explore the Hall of Kings, the sculptures and the impressive Herrerian-style architectural ensemble. Every corner tells a story about the devotion and support that the monarchs gave to this religious order, reflecting the interaction between power and spirituality at the time.

Palacio de Oriente and surroundings

We finish our route in the surroundings of the Palacio de Oriente, where the Augustinian Recollects also left their mark, both for their spiritual and architectural contributions. From here, you can explore the neighborhood of San Isidro, La Almudena Cathedral and other historical points that evoke the first settlements of Madrid.

This area also invites you to stroll through the Sabatini Gardens and the Plaza de Oriente, surrounded by 44 statues of Visigothic and medieval kings that narrate the dynastic history of Spain. The views of the Casa de Campo, with its serenity and natural beauty, contrast with the architectural majesty of the Royal Palace, creating a complete experience of history and nature.

Santa Rita Parish

The Parish of Santa Rita, located in the Argüelles neighborhood of Madrid, has a rich history that begins in 1952, when the Province San Nicolás de Tolentino acquired a strategic plot of 2,260 square meters at the intersection of Gaztambide Street and Cea Bermúdez Avenue. Initially, in 1954, a religious community dedicated to study and spirituality was founded. The temple was inaugurated on October 17, 1959, standing out for its imposing structure. In 1965, the community evolved with the official creation of the Santa Rita Parish and the arrival of its first parish priest, Fr. Jesús Álvarez Maestro. In recent years, the parish has continued to grow and modernize, with events such as the blessing of a new organ in 2020, which enhances the liturgical experience, and the remodeling of the St. Nicholas crypt in 2022, including the inauguration of a columbarium in 2023, offering the faithful a dignified space to honor their deceased. Part of the building houses the Augustinus-Nebrija Residence Hall.

St. Monica Parish

The Parish of Santa Monica, located on Principe de Vergara Street, in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood, is an outstanding temple designed by the architect Francisco Moreno. Its construction took place between 1959 and 1963, and it was erected as a parish in 1965 by the Archbishop of Madrid, Monsignor Casimiro Morcillo. Its first parish priest was Fr. Gerardo Buldaín. In its interior, the Christ sculpted by Ramón Lapayese stands out, as well as and the image of Santa Mónica, the work of Antonio Torres. The decoration includes frescoes in the dome and vault, made by Pedro Martinez, which narrate the life of Saint Monica and Saint Augustine. The stained glass windows and various works, such as the paintings of the Consolation and the Martyrs of Motril by Antonio Molina Torres, reflect the Augustinian spirituality. Likewise, the figures of St. Augustine, St. Rita and St. Ezekiel Moreno complete this rich gallery dedicated to the Augustinian Recollect tradition.

Other more recent presences

In recent decades, the Augustinian Recollect presence in Madrid has continued to grow. In the area of Barrio de la Estrella are the Colegio Agustiniano and the Parish of Our Lady of Consolation. On Paseo de la Habana is the seat of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine; near Alcala Street, at the Torres Arias Metro stop, is located the House of Formation of the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria and, in Las Rozas, that of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine.

In the Barajas area is the Parish of Our Lady of Loreto and the headquarters of the Vicarage of Spain of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. Very close to Atletico de Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium is the Santa Florentina Parish. Finally, at the confluence of Huesca and Julian Besteiro Streets is the Community of St. Joseph, headquarters in Spain of the General Curia, which houses the offices of ARCORES International and the Communications Office of the Order.

An experience that transcends time

With this journey through history, both past and recent, it is clear how Madrid has had and continues to have a significant Augustinian Recollect presence, with a rich cultural and spiritual experience, both yesterday and today. Each place invites you to immerse yourself in history, admire the art and connect with a legacy that remains alive. From the ancient convents and surviving architectural treasures to the more modern presences, Madrid becomes a living testimony to the footprint of the Augustinian Recollects.