St. Nicholas

San Nicolás de Los Servitas

40.4158° N · 3.7119° W|Madrid, Spain

Located near the cathedral, this is the oldest church in Madrid (13th century). Its bell tower is the oldest structure in the city (12th century) and may have been part of a mosque.

San Nicolás de los Servitas Church is the oldest church in Madrid, and the church's 12th-century bell tower is one of the oldest structures in Madrid.

There is some debate over whether the bell tower once formed part of an Arab mosque.

The bell tower was more likely built after the Christian reconquest of Madrid in 1085, but its style is evidence that it was crafted by either Moorish workers (Mudéjars) or Spaniards well versed in the style.

The rest of the church was reconstructed in the 15th century.

The tiny interior contains paintings by Pedro de Mena and sculptures by Nicolás Busi.

Exhibits inside the church detail the Islamic history of early Madrid.

Location

Where on earth

40.4158° N · 3.7119° WMadrid, Spain

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