The church of San Ginés is in Calle Arenal and is dedicated to the French saint Genès d'Arles. This is one of the oldest churches in Madrid, built in 1645 on the site of what is thought to be a Mozarabic chapel. Built to a design by Juan Ruiz, the church has undergone several restorations and changes to its appearance throughout its history.
The tile and brick facade you see today dates back to 1870, but it was originally neo-Plateresque, and after being destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, the decorative features were removed as part of restoration work carried out following the conflict. Its arched entrance porch opens into an interior with three naves and side chapels, including the Santísimo Cristo chapel.
San Ginés church has an impressive artistic heritage with the most important being the painting Purification of the Temple by El Greco. You can see the painting every day except Wednesday not coinciding with the mass.
Chapel of the Holy Child of Remedy
Just a stone’s throw from the Church of San Ginés, in the direction of Plaza de Isabel II, this chapel is located at No. 6 Calle Donados and was built in 1917 on the site of the former church of the Santa Catalina de los Donados Hospital, founded in 1460. This hospital was in operation until 1856, when it was turned into a Hospital for the Blind, funded by charitable organisations in the province, before moving to Vista Alegre in 1889.
Popular devotion to the Holy Child of Remedy dates back to the late 19th Century around a carving of the Holy Child. 1998 marked the first centenary of public worship of this figure.
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