Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans (Madrid)
The Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans, whose original foundation was the Church of Saint Anthony of the Portuguese, is a temple of unmistakable Baroque style located between the junction of Corredera Baja de San Pablo and Puebla Street in the heart of Madrid's Central district.
This church has certain details that distinguish it and make it very special. The first of these details is its sober façade and spire and the use of materials such as plaster and brick in its construction. Other important details are that it is one of the few temples of elliptical plan in Spain and that its walls and dome are frescoed. In addition, it has a post-Herrerian façade.
The church, whose construction lasted between 1624 and 1633, was built to complement the Hospital of Saint Anthony of the Portuguese. On the exterior, it has a curious octagonal spire, that is, a chambered dome, which is unusual in architecture and probably motivated by its modesty.
Something that impresses at first sight is the spectacular style of Baroque illusionism in the interior. Fresco paintings, which cover the walls from floor to ceiling, join the sculptures of the altarpieces and the architecture in general to create an optical effect of movement, luxury and colour.
These magnificent frescoes narrate the Apotheosis of Saint Anthony, full of symbolism and elaboration. The work of the famous artist Juan Carreño de Miranda is interspersed with the spectacular faux drum-like architecture of Francisco Rizi, who painted the works in the first section of the dome.
This church has certain details that distinguish it and make it very special. The first of these details is its sober façade and spire and the use of materials such as plaster and brick in its construction. Other important details are that it is one of the few temples of elliptical plan in Spain and that its walls and dome are frescoed. In addition, it has a post-Herrerian façade.
The church, whose construction lasted between 1624 and 1633, was built to complement the Hospital of Saint Anthony of the Portuguese. On the exterior, it has a curious octagonal spire, that is, a chambered dome, which is unusual in architecture and probably motivated by its modesty.
Something that impresses at first sight is the spectacular style of Baroque illusionism in the interior. Fresco paintings, which cover the walls from floor to ceiling, join the sculptures of the altarpieces and the architecture in general to create an optical effect of movement, luxury and colour.
These magnificent frescoes narrate the Apotheosis of Saint Anthony, full of symbolism and elaboration. The work of the famous artist Juan Carreño de Miranda is interspersed with the spectacular faux drum-like architecture of Francisco Rizi, who painted the works in the first section of the dome.
Location
Religious Buildings in Madrid
Civil Buildings in Madrid
Museums in Madrid
