Church of Santa María la Blanca

The Church of Santa María la Blanca, known locally as Iglesia de Santa María la Blanca, is a captivating historical gem nestled in the heart of Alcorcón, a charming town in the Community of Madrid, Spain. This Catholic church, with its rich history and architectural elegance, stands as a testament to the town's cultural and religious heritage.

The History of the Church of Santa María la Blanca

The origins of the Church of Santa María la Blanca are shrouded in the mists of time. It is believed that the church was constructed on the site of a medieval mosque. However, no remnants from the Islamic period have ever been found. The earliest references to the church date back to the Relaciones de Felipe II, a series of historical documents from the late 16th century.

The current structure of the church began to take shape between the late 16th century and the early 17th century, with the construction of the apse and the chancel. The main body of the church was completed in the 18th century. The oldest date found within the church is inscribed on a sepulchral slab from July 3, 1595, which lies beneath the current pavement.

One of the most notable historical events associated with the church occurred on April 22, 1619, when King Philip III embarked on a journey to Portugal. On his return, the king fell ill and had to stay in Casarrubios del Monte, Toledo. In response, the city of Madrid organized a procession to pray for the king's recovery, during which the body of Isidro Labrador was transported to Casarrubios del Monte. After the king recovered, the procession returned to Madrid, stopping to rest in Alcorcón. During this stop, Prince Philip (the future Philip IV) and part of the royal entourage stayed in the town, and the remains of Isidro Labrador were temporarily housed in the church. This event was later chronicled in the Vida de San Isidro Labrador by Fray Nicolás José de la Cruz in 1790.

The Church of Santa María la Blanca was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (a designation for cultural heritage sites in Spain) on June 10, 1993. In September 2015, during restoration works, the original flooring of the church was discovered, adding another layer to its historical significance.

Architectural Features

Exterior

The exterior of the Church of Santa María la Blanca is a striking blend of masonry and brick, reflecting a clear influence from the nearby city of Toledo. The building's design is marked by its sobriety, with decorative lintels framing the windows and doors, constructed with brick laid in a sardinel pattern. The walls are 80 centimeters thick and supported by robust buttresses. The church has two main entrances, located on the north and south facades. The north facade features a rectangular tower that rises to a height of 25 meters, adding a distinctive vertical element to the structure.

Interior

The interior of the Church of Santa María la Blanca is characterized by its simplicity, with the chancel being the only area that deviates from this austere design. The church has a Latin cross floor plan, although the transept arms are not visible from the outside. The main nave measures 20 meters in length, 9 meters in width, and 15 meters in height. At the end of the central nave is the choir, which once housed a Baroque organ. The transept measures 19 meters in length and 8 meters in width, while the crossing measures 8 meters in length, 9 meters in width, and 16 meters in height. Both the nave and the transept feature barrel vaults that intersect at the crossing. The apse is polygonal, with five sides, and measures 8.5 meters in width, 5 meters in length, and 15 meters in height.

Main Altarpiece

The apse houses a magnificent Baroque altarpiece, which is a national historical and artistic heritage site. This gilded wooden altarpiece, constructed in the 18th century, follows the design principles of José de Churriguera. It is structured with Solomonic columns and features statues of the Virgin Mary, Saint Anne, Saint Anthony, Christ of the Potters, and the four Evangelists, along with the Tabernacle. In one of the Evangelists' books, an inscription can be read:

During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, the altarpiece suffered significant damage. The statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Joseph, and the Christ of the Potters were destroyed. The statue of the Virgin Mary was thrown into a well but was later recovered. After the war, the damaged statues were replaced with the ones that are currently in place.

The Church of Santa María la Blanca stands as a beacon of faith and history in Alcorcón. Its architectural elegance, combined with its rich historical tapestry, makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Spain. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, this church offers a unique glimpse into the past and a serene space for reflection.