In the very heart of Madrid’s Carabanchel district stands the tower of the hermitage of Santa María la Antigua, but spotting it isn’t easy. Despite rising over twenty meters high, the building seems almost hidden from view—there are no signs or any indication of its historical value. The area around it looks more like an abandoned lot, where instead of tourists or architecture enthusiasts, you’re likely to find only random drivers and motorcycle repairmen.
Local residents have long been concerned about the fate of this unique 13th-century monument, which has been officially recognized as a cultural heritage site. The hermitage has ended up in a kind of vacuum—far from busy streets and traffic, with no basic signage or infrastructure. The situation is made worse by the fact that the land around the shrine was used for years as an illegal dump and parking lot, while the neighborhood itself still bears scars of its past: it was once the site of the notorious Carabanchel prison, demolished in 2008.
Development plans for this part of the city include the construction of apartment buildings, a hospital, and green spaces. However, activists insist that any project must take into account the hermitage’s historical significance and make it a focal point of the new neighborhood. Their main concern is that new high-rises might end up boxing in the monument, cutting it off from view and making it inaccessible to residents.
Thanks to the perseverance of local residents, some changes to the urban development plans have been achieved. In particular, there are now plans for a pedestrian corridor, preservation of the ancient Roman aqueduct, and the opening of a museum dedicated to the history of the former prison. Importantly, members of the initiative group are now involved in discussions about the district’s future.
Issues remain: the hermitage is isolated and surrounded by trash
Despite recent restoration works that have helped eliminate leaks and strengthen the walls, the surrounding area still looks like an abandoned corner. Piles of construction debris, old tires, and other waste regularly appear here. Locals complain about the lack of cleaning and supervision from city services. Recently, the municipality approved the installation of a special barrier to limit vehicle access and protect the landmark from further pollution.
For now, even many residents of Carabanchel are unaware of this gem of Madrid’s architecture. There are no signs, no information at metro stations, and no designated tour routes. Activists believe that only by making the hermitage visible and recognizable can it become an integral part of the district and city life.
