On the very spot where today we find Santiago Church, there once stood one of the oldest churches in Madrid, which appeared in the city law books in 1202. Despite this, the original church was destroyed and rebuilt in the 19th century by architect Juan Antonio Cuervo, assistant to Ventura Rodríguez. On 20 May 2026, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the Monument category.
Due to its square design, the church doesn't look like a religious building. In neoclassical style, its most interesting feature is its location: on Plaza de Santiago, in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid.
Its façade, inspired by Spanish architecture, and its Greek cross layout can be highlighted. Inside, the parish church houses a set of assets of great artistic value, many of which date back to before the construction of the current building and come from medieval churches that have now disappeared. They include St. James on Horseback at the Battle of Clavijo by Francisco Rizi (1657) and The Baptism of Christ by Juan Carreño de Miranda (1682). The carvings of the Beata Mariana de Jesús by Julián de San Martín or St. John the Baptist with the Lamb at his Feet, attributed by various scholars to Pedro Roldán or his daughter, Luisa Roldán, popularly known as La Roldana, from the second half of the 17th century also stand out.
An 18th-century organ from the Church of San Juan can also be found there, which has been adapted to fit the space.
Camino de Santiago trail
The Madrid leg of the world-famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail sets off from this church, and after winding through the provinces of Segovia and Valladolid, it joins up with the section of the trail known as the French Road or Royal Road that comes from Roncesvalles and Somport.
To complete the pilgrimage trail officially you will need a document that accredits your status as a pilgrim. The “Credencial” or “Acreditación del Peregrino” is the name of the document given to pilgrims in the Middle Ages as a safe passage. Today there is an official credential document distributed and accepted by the Pilgrimage Office of the Diocese of Santiago.
It can be obtained in Madrid in person at the following places:
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Parish Church of Santiago and San Juan Bautista: When the church is officially open to the public (Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and from 6pm to 8pm; Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 1pm and from 6pm to 8pm) in the sacristy. You must complete the document with your first and last name, ID number, passport number or similar document, date and place of departure for the pilgrimage. It will only be handed over to the person named on the accreditation. A donation may be made in the Apostle collection box.
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Asociación de Amigos de los Caminos de Santiago de Madrid: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm to 9pm (open all year round). Wednesday from 11am to 1 pm . A fee of 2 euros is charged for the credential document. You can obtain one in person by presenting your ID card or similar document, or via a representative, having previously presented a photocopy or photograph of the represented person’s ID card or similar document.
More information
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