The restoration project of the façades and roofs of the Pontifical Basilica de San Miguel
Why donate?
RESTORATION
Why donate?
The intervention proposed for the restoration of the façades and roofs of the Pontifical “Basilica de San Miguel” fundamentally contemplates the restoration and consolidation of the roofs of the entire complex, of the side façades and its main façade, which represents a unique spot within the framework of the urban landscape.
This intervention guarantees the protection and conservation of the Beauty of Art,of incalculable value, that it houses inside.
The project supposes the value enhancement of the “Madrid de los Austrias” Cultural Heritage. Due to its artistic and historical values, and its relevance in the world of Culture, it certainly transcends, not only the local, municipal or regional level, but also reaches the level of national interest.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
ARTISTIC VALUE
CULTURAL RELEVANCE
SACRED MUSIC - ORGAN
Since 1975, this organ has been chosen on several occasions as the venue for national and international Organ Congresses, until the construction of the organ of the National Auditorium in Madrid. It is one of the most outstanding elements of the religious, cultural and artistic life of the Basilica.
Today, organists from all over the world come to San Miguel to play one of the most important instruments in the country in the field of musical recovery of historical sacred pieces.
Montserrat Torrent, Miguel del Barco. Olivier Latry, Michael Radulescu, Alexander Fiseisky, Andrés Cea, José Enrique Ayarra, Ton Koopman… They are a representative sample of the 20 international and Spanish organists who have exhibited their art in the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel.
Between 2019 and March 2022 83 Sacred Music concerts have been held in the Basilica without interfering with the worship and ordinary activities of the temple. During the pandemic, the collaboration between the Pontifical “Basilica de San Miguel” and the Ministry of Culture of the Community of Madrid, done with the due respect for the regulations established by the authorities, has made it possible to carry out a relevant part of the programming of the International Festival of Sacred Art of the Community of Madrid in those two years.
It is also noteworthy thatLuigi Boccherini, one of the great musicians of the 18th century, was buried in the Basilica until 1927..
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
ISABEL DE FARNESIO
Was born in the Italian city of Parma. She arrived in Spain thanks to her marriage to Felipe V.
During her reign, she built up an important art collection. Each of the spouses marked her pictures with a differentiated dynastic symbol (the Queen with the fleur-de-lis; and the King with the Cross of Burgundy).
The Basilica was built under the patronage of Queen Isabel de Farnesio when her son D. Luis Antonio de Borbón, brother of King Carlos III, was Archbishop of Toledo.
It is a ccreation of the best Italian baroque of the 18th century, which began to be built in 1739 and was completed in 1745.
SOCIAL COMMITMENT
The Basílica “inherited” from the “Italian Hospital” (Apostolic Nunciature in Spain, 1583-1885) the tradition of helping the people most in need. One hundred years afterwards it takes ”shape” again with new nuances:
+ In 1989 “La Hermandad de los Estudiantes” was founded.Every Palm Sunday they go out in procession through the narrow streets of the Madrid de los Austrias. Its Charity Council is committed to assisting the older people in need, offering them company and food and seeking spiritual assistance in the closest parishes when interested people request it. In 2021, the Young Group of the “Hermandad de los Estudiantes” is reborn with new strength., They are involved in solidarity volunteering tasks: morning breakfasts and dinner-sandwiches.
+ In 1997 the “San Miguel Solidarity Action” Association was founded.Its aim is promoting care for the elderly in residences in Madrid and in their own homes; to launch development projects that train people, especially immigrants, to promote their integration into society; to help cover material needs in Third World countries and to help people in need to have adequate food.
+ In January 2022, the re-foundation of “San Miguel Solidarity Action” begins, so that young people take the reins and remake the statutes to request their approval. During the process, the Solidarity Volunteering of the Basilica maintains the projects: “Buena Compañía” (whose the care of the elderly) and “Panecillo Solidario” (to care for the adequate food of people in need).
