La Church of Saint Ginés of Arles It is one of the oldest in our city and also one of the best known, given its central location, right on Calle del Arenal. Its origins date back to the 1645th century, although its definitive structure is the result of actions carried out from 1868 onwards, followed by others in the XNUMXth, XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. In XNUMX, in the context of reforms that Madrid's urban planning was undergoing at that time, it was on the verge of being demolished, by express order of the city council.

The temple is structured through three separate naves with semicircular arches on pillars, wide side chapels, transept and straight chancel. Covering the central nave, there is a barrel vault, behind which, above the transept, there is the dome without drum or lantern, supported by semicircular arches. The main façade on Bordadores Street (formerly San Ginés Street), is neoclassical in style, with a neo-plateresque doorway. In the photos we show you can see the entrance through which you enter the temple on Arenal Street.

It was a very popular parish. There is information about many well-known personalities in the Historical Archive of San Ginés, for example the baptismal certificates of the Infanta are preserved. Catalina Micaela, second daughter of Felipe II e Isabel de Valois, from don Francisco de Quevedo and Villegas  of September 26, 1580 and the marriage of Don Felix Lope de Vega Carpio with Mrs. Isabel de Urbina May 10, 1588.

The church preserves a rich documentary and pictorial heritage, with works by artists of the stature of El Greek, Alonso Cano, Francisco Ricci o Alonso of the Rivers. Guided tours of El Greco are held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 11:30 to 12:00. The work on display is “The expulsion of the merchants from the temple”, also known as “The purification of the temple”, considered one of El Greco's best works. It is probably the most important canvas in the city of Madrid outside a museum.

The work arrived in Madrid in 1700, when it was donated to the Parish of San Ginés. History decided that it would end up hidden inside a box, after being removed from the chapel where it was located. We forget about the painting and who had painted it; it was thought to be a fake, perhaps by El Greco's son or a disciple. But Madrid was lucky; in 1998, the Spanish Historical Heritage Institute noticed the work and, after an investigation, proceeded to restore it. Then El Greco's signature was discovered, hidden and conveniently concealed within the scene. A gem.

We recommend visiting San Ginés on your next walk along Calle Arenal.

A abrazo.