Are we talking about religion in Madrid?
Although since the Spanish Constitution of 1978 no religion has a state character and the freedom of religion and worship of individuals and communities is guaranteed, the truth is that Spain has been a Catholic country for centuries and, of course, Madrid as well. And we can observe it in the day to day: the churches that we find in every corner of the city, the national holidays, the local festivities (San Isidro and Almudena in Madrid) and all the historical heritage.
The majority of the population is Catholic but there are religious minorities well represented and organized that allow the worship of their believers.
Religion in its public aspect
The “bureaucratic organization” of religions is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice, in its Dictionary of Religious Denominations you can learn about the institutional structures (their legal status and how they relate to public administration) of Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In addition, the Ministry of Justice also has a search engine to find information and contact details on other minority religions throughout Spain.
Religion in its private aspect
Get to know the temples, the opening days and the hours of worship of each of the confessions:
Catholic
The website of the Archdiocese of Madrid offers information on the work of the Church in the Community of Madrid and contains a guide to all parishes in Madrid with their contact details and Mass times.
Muslim
Islamic Cultural Centre Madrid / Abu Bakr Mosque (Central Mosque of Madrid). Contains information on activities, celebrations and prayer schedules.
Jewish
The Communal Centre of the Jewish Community of Madrid is the main Jewish institution in Madrid. The website contains information on religious matters, timetables and addresses of worship and shops with Kosher products.
Protestant
The “Consejo Evangélico de Madrid” represents before the authorities the more than 400 local churches and 100 associations located in the Community of Madrid although not all the evangelical churches in Madrid are formally integrated into the CEM.
Orthodox
Sacra Metropolis of Spain and Portugal (Santa Iglesia Catedral de los Santos Andrés y Demetrio) offers information on activities of the Orthodox community, as well as addresses and timetables for worship.
Buddhist
The Buddhist Union of Spain, UBE, brings together all the Spanish Buddhist communities that request it and meet the necessary requirements. The Union provides information and advice to all individuals and entities interested in the practice of Buddhism in Spain, facilitates registration as a religious entity or affiliation to the Union.
Hinduist
The Hindu Federation of Spain has a Facebook page where you can find information. Also in the Hindu Temple of Jhulelal (Calle de Federico Moreno Torroba, 1) in Madrid.
Mormons
On the web, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers all the relevant information on activities, places and times of worship.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
In the link you can find wide information about the activities in Spain and Madrid.
Religious services in other languages
English
Catholic cult
Our Lady of Mercy Parish (Parroquia de San Dámaso)
Calle Jose Vasconcelos, 5
28046 Madrid
Parroquia de Santa María la Blanca de Montecarmelo
Calle Monasterio de Oseira, 25
28049 Madrid
Anglican cult
St. George’s Anglican Church
Calle Nuñez de Balboa 43
28001 Madrid
Christian cult
The Community Church of Madrid
Calle de la Viña, 3
28003 Madrid.
French
Catholic cult
San Luis de los Franceses
Lagasca, 89
28006 Madrid
Italian
Catholic cult
Parroquia de San Nicolás de los Servitas
Plaza de San Nicolás, 6
28013 Madrid
German
Catholic cult
Parroquia de Santa María (Katholischen Gemeinde Deutscher Sprache)
Avda. de Burgos, 12
28036 Madrid
Evangelical Lutheran cult
Iglesia Evangélica de habla alemana
Paseo de la Castellana, 6
28046 Madrid
Chinese
Catholic cult
Parroquia de Santa Rita
Calle Gaztambide, 75
28015 Madrid
Parroquia de Cristo Rey de Usera
Calle Pilarica, 12
28026 Madrid
Russian
Orthodox cult
Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa (Parroquia de Santa María Magdalena)
Gran Vía de Hortaleza, 48
28043 Madrid
If you are planning to move to Madrid soon, you’ll find all the relevant information in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or even if you prefer that we accompany you, check out our services.
In the meantime, you can receive regular information by filling out this questionnaire. And if you find it useful, we thank you for sharing it.
Image via Basílica Pontificia San Miguel
