Religious Sights in Madrid

Spain has historically been home to Christians, Jews, and Muslims; Madrid's first permanent settlers were Moors; and the city has become increasingly diverse both in terms of religion and national origin. However, the story of Madrid has been overwhelmingly Catholic. Unsurprisingly, the majority of Madrid's major religious sights are, or once were, associated with the Catholic Church.

Located next to the Royal Palace, Madrid's Catedral de la Almudena is named for the city's patron saint. But since it took so long to build, Madrid's cathedral feels oddly old and new at the same time. Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were married there in 2004.

The fascinating and stately museum of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales was once a cloistered community populated by Spain's privileged young women – some of them belonging to the royalty or nobility.

Built in the 17th century, the Iglesia de San Isidro is a beautiful Baroque church named for Madrid's other patron saint, San Isidro, who is supposedly buried there.

The Ermita San Antonio de la Florida is an interesting small church, though better known for its beautiful frescoes painted by Spanish master Francisco Goya, or else as the starting point for the absurd yearly Sardine Burial that wraps up the Carnival season.

Madrid's Centro Cultural Islámico is the only non-Catholic sight on our list. Established in 1992, the mosque and Islamic cultural center is now an important symbol of Madrid's contemporary pluralism. Apart from its primary religious and educational functions, the center offers the visitor an opportunity to learn more about Arab culture.

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