Church of San Ginés

On Arenal Street stands the Church of San Ginés, dedicated to the French saint, Saint Genesius of Arles. It is one of the oldest churches in Madrid, built in 1645 on the remains of what is believed to have been a Mozarabic hermitage. Designed by Juan Ruiz, it has undergone several restorations and modifications throughout its history. After a painstaking restoration, the Parish of San Ginés was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1982.

Its current main façade, built of brick and stone in 1870, was originally in the Neo-Plateresque style, although, after being destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, its original ornamentation was removed during the subsequent restoration.

Its arched portico leads to an interior with three naves and side chapels, the most notable being the Chapel of the Holy Christ. The Church of San Ginés boasts a rich artistic heritage, most notably El Greco's painting, The Purification of the Temple. The painting can be viewed every day except Wednesdays, when there is no service. A few meters from the Church of San Ginés, towards Plaza de Isabel II, is this oratory at Calle Donados, 6. It was built in 1917 on the site of the former church of the Hospital of Santa Catalina de los Donados, founded in 1460. This hospital operated until 1856 when it was transformed into a hospital for the blind under the provincial charity, moving to Vista Alegre in 1889. Popular devotion to the Holy Child of Remedy dates back to the late 19th century, centered around a carving of the child of piety. The first centenary of its public veneration was celebrated in 1998.