Inside Madrid In the post-war period, when thousands of people arrived from rural areas in search of a future in the capital, a working-class neighborhood saw the birth of a church that broke with all patterns.
Far from traditional temples, with their Gothic towers and baroque ornamentsThis church the concrete presents itself as a testimony to austerity, strength and the new social and liturgical winds of the time.
More than just a religious buildingis a meeting space designed to reflect an accessible and transformative spirituality, aligned with the ideals of the Second Vatican Council. In this article, we tell you its history and legacy.
A revolutionary church in the heart of Moratalaz
Located in Madrid’s Moratalaz district, the Sainte-Anne and Esperance parish It is one of the most remarkable works of religious architecture of the 20th century. Inaugurated in 1966, it responded to the need to create a liturgical space adapted to the changes that Spanish society was experiencing at the time. The architect Miguel Fisac Senra, in charge of the construction, left an indelible mark with his innovative design.
the church, built in concretebreaks with the traditional forms of temples, offering a functional, warm and closed structure. Instead of a vertical building rising towards the sky, the architect Miguel Fisac Senra Fisac opted for an architecture open to the community, with an oval floor plan that surrounds the altar and promotes more direct interaction between parishioners and priest.
How did the Second Vatican Council influence the design of the parish?
To understand the impact of the parish of Santa Ana y la Esperanza, it is necessary to understand the religious context of the time. The 1960s witnessed a radical change within the Catholic Churchpromoted by the Second Vatican Council.
This event favored a liturgical renewal which advocated a greater participation of the faithfulleaving behind the celebrations in Latin and the altar facing the priest, his back to the congregation.
The new liturgy called for an open and accessible space, which motivated Fisac to create a church that reflects these principles. This is how an oval plan was born that eliminates the spatial hierarchy and puts everyone present on an equal footing, allowing for a more communal celebration.
What distinguishes the design of the Church of Santa Ana y la Esperanza?
What sets this church apart is the unique vision of Miguel Fisac Senra, who, influenced by Brutalism, makes concrete the protagonist of design. However, in his hands, this cold and austere material takes on warmth and humanity.
Fisac was not only looking for a technical solution, but wanted to convey through concrete a feeling of closeness and simplicity. His famous “bone” beamsan own invention, not only fulfills a structural function, but also provides a unique aesthetic that characterizes the building.
