Church of Santa María la Antigua
Information
Located in the historic centre of Vicálvaro, this temple is one of its most important buildings, built out of Castilian brick, with three spacious naves and a beautiful tower. The temple is a fine example of regional architecture from the mid-16th century and early 17th century, whereby the Community of Madrid has declared it a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Monument category since June 2022
The first document related to the parish dates back to 1427. Shortly afterwards, on 19 September 1592, King Philip II pronounced a royal provision to carry out the extension works. The current building was built between 1593 and 1621, approximately. The body of naves was erected following the design of the architect, Francisco de Mora, Senior Master of Royal Sites and Works of the City of Madrid, within the classicist mannerism trend.
Built in brick with masonry chains, the church has a polygonal chancel, a body of vaulted naves, which is wider in the central part, and a choir at the entrance between the tower and the baptismal font. An 18th century sacristy is added to this structure, as well as a 19th century chapel devoted to Our Lady of Pilar and another one dating back to the end of the 19th century. All of the movable property was destroyed during the Civil War, including a Baroque altarpiece that dated back to 1602 and a 1760 pipe organ, which were replaced after 1940.
The property is in a good state of repair, having been restored between 1980 and 1990. Its protection is due to the fact that it fulfils some important architectural and technical values, reflecting the evolution and aesthetic changes in religious architecture, so it is of high historic and cultural value.
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