Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Concepción

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Concepción (commonly called the Concepción Basilica) stands on Calle Goya 26, at the corner of Núñez de Balboa, in Madrid's upscale Salamanca district. Its tall neo-Gothic tower is a familiar landmark along Calle Goya, visible well before you reach the building itself.

Where is the church located?

The church sits at the heart of Salamanca, surrounded by turn-of-the-century apartment buildings typical of the neighborhood. It's easiest to spot by its tower, roughly 44 metres tall, topped with a metal spike bearing a figure of the Virgin Mary — one of the taller religious structures in this part of Madrid.

What's the history behind the building?

The foundation stone was laid in December 1902. The project was originally designed by architect Eugenio Jiménez Corera, and after his death in 1910 the work was completed by Jesús Carrasco-Muñoz. Most of the construction took place between 1912 and 1914, and the church was formally inaugurated on 11 May 1914, with King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie attending the ceremony.

What architectural style does it follow?

The building was designed in neo-Gothic style, a choice that was fairly common in Madrid at the turn of the 20th century for churches built in the city's newly expanding residential districts, Salamanca among them. A defining feature of the style here is the tall, prominent tower set at the front of the church, which dominates the surrounding streetscape.

Why does it carry the title of basilica?

In 2014, Pope Francis granted the church the title of minor basilica, an honor reserved for churches of particular religious or historical significance. Since then it has been formally known as the Basílica de la Concepción de Nuestra Señora, even though it continues to function as the local parish church for the neighborhood.

How do you get there?

The nearest metro stations are Velázquez (line 4) and Príncipe de Vergara (lines 2 and 9), both within easy walking distance of the entrance. That makes the church straightforward to reach whether you're exploring Salamanca as a visitor or attending a service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Concepción? On Calle Goya 26, at the corner with Núñez de Balboa, in Madrid's Salamanca district.

Is it a parish church or a basilica? Technically it's a parish church, but since 2014 it has also held the title of minor basilica, granted by Pope Francis, which raises its standing among Madrid's churches.

Who designed the building, and when was it built? Architect Eugenio Jiménez Corera began the design; after his death in 1910, Jesús Carrasco-Muñoz completed it. Construction ran mainly from 1912 to 1914, and the church was formally inaugurated on 11 May 1914.

What's the easiest way to reach the basilica by public transport? The metro is most convenient — the nearest stations are Velázquez (line 4) and Príncipe de Vergara (lines 2 and 9), both a short walk from the entrance.