VISITA IGLESIA 2025: Almudena Cathedral - Madrid, Spain

Traveling keeps me away from my daily gardening routine. Somehow, this makes me feel anxious wondering if my plants will remain vibrant and healthy until I come back.

Yet when I look at the brighter side of things, the thought of seeing and experiencing new places I have never been to, mixing with people of different cultures, relieving stress through physical and emotional relaxation and gaining a new level of spiritual renewal undeniably excites me.

As the Holy Week is fast approaching, I took the opportunity to visit notable churches for thanksgiving and meditation during our recent trip to Madrid and the northern parts of Spain.

CATEDRAL DE SANTA MARIA LA REAL DE ALMUDENA (Cathedral of St. Mary Royal of Almudena)

More commonly known as Almudena Cathedral, its construction started in 1883 under the reign of King Alfonso XII. It was completed a century later when it was consecrated by Pope Pius in 1993 - the first to be consecrated by a Pope outside of Rome.

This century of turmoil marked by the death of the original architect of the Cathedral, the change in Spanish leadership, and the Spanish Civil War among others,  explains why the cathedral's architectural style as it stands today, is described as "baroque on the outside, neo-gothic on the inside, and with a Romanesque crypt."

The Cathedral is famous for its extensive altar where a long line of devotees can go up to the elevated altar through a set of narrow staircase on the right side, pause briefly to give reverence to the 16th century image of the Virgin Mary - Madrid's patroness, and then go down on the left side of the altar.

Underneath the Almudena Cathedral is a Romanesque Revival Church that is as big as the Cathedral itself. It has a crypt of 5 naves and 20 chapels on the sides.  This is where the remains of King Alfonso XII's first wife as well as other notable families and church leaders of Madrid are laid to rest. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch up with the viewing schedule of the crypt to be able to take and share photos.

OTHER INTERESTING PLACES ON THE WAY TO THE CATHEDRAL

Aside from the Almudena Cathedral, a visit to Madrid will not be complete without visiting the Prado Museum - the main Spanish art museum that houses the works of famous painters during the Spanish Golden Age and the early 18th to 19th century.

Exiting from the Sol Metro station, you will be welcomed with so much energy at the busy Puerta del Sol. Previously the eastern entrance gate of the city wall that once surrounded Madrid in the 15th century, it has become the focal point of Madrid's business, economic and political activities in current days. This is where people gather on New Year's Eve for the tradition of eating 12 grapes at the strike of 12 for fortune and abundance during the 12 months of the year. It is also called Kilometer Zero because all roads in Spain refer to this point as the center of reference for distance measurement to other parts of the country.

Plaza Mayor is just a few meters away from Puerto del Sol. This 400-years old public square in the center of Madrid is known for the unique architecture of its buildings and bocadillos de calamares (calamari sandwiches).

A little farther away is the Mercado San Miguel - a very busy food market that looks like a party place - offering a variety of local and international cuisine to locals and tourists.

Along the way you will find shops selling different varieties of artisanal nougats and turrones for which Spain is known for.

The Royal Palace of Madrid stands right beside the Almudena Cathedral and is a favorite attraction for tourists especially during the ceremonial changing of the guards every first Wednesday of the month from 11am to 2pm.

GREEN AND FRUITING

As of this writing, my plants are green and healthy despite the onset of the dry season. Except for the last blow of strong north easterly winds that caused some fruit buds to fall, my five-year old latex-less jackfruit tree is proudly showing off some six-inch fruits from its branches.

I am at peace with this early Easter blessing.

Hasta mi proximo blog sobre la Catedral de Salamanca!

Apple Bleza Morales

About the Author:

Apple is passionately interested in community greening and beautification, organic and ornamental gardening, environment protection and preservation as well as related arts and crafts. She shares her professional, personal and travel experiences to spread knowledge and information in these areas which may not be accessible to all who are similarly interested.  Apple aims to inspire others to develop and create new ideas from her blogs and to share life lessons on values for living. 

Apple (or Maybelle in the corporate setting) holds a Master's degree in Industrial Relations from the University of the Philippines. She held leadership roles in Human Resources during her employment with the private sector, developing and implementing HR and Organizational systems that help employees to grow their careers and for employers to achieve a mutually beneficial engagement.

Photos by:  MBMorales - Madrid, Spain: February 2025