Madrid to invest 2 million euros in religious heritage conservation

The Community of Madrid has announced an investment of over 2 million euros for 2026 dedicated to the restoration, conservation, and maintenance of the region's Catholic cultural and artistic heritage.

A primary focus of this heritage is the Real Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago y San Juan Bautista, which was recently declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). Designed by architect Juan Antonio Cuervo, the church is noted for its Greek cross floor plan and its role as a starting point for the Camino de Santiago since 1997.

The parish houses significant historical assets, including bells from various medieval temples and masterpieces of Spanish Baroque painting. Notable works include ‘Santiago a caballo en la batalla de Clavijo’ by Francisco Rizi (1657) and ‘Bautismo de Jesús’ by Juan Carreño de Miranda (1682). The collection also features 17th-century sculptures and an 18th-century organ.