Basilica de San Miguel (St. Michael's Basilica), Madrid

Amidst a cluster of elegant structures primarily serving as local government offices, San Miguel stands apart as one of the rare examples of a grand Baroque church nestled in the heart of old Madrid. Commissioned in the 18th century for Don Luis, the remarkably gifted 5-year-old Archbishop of Toledo and the youngest son of Felipe V, this architectural marvel boasts a distinctive convex facade adorned with four recesses, each housing a symbolic statue representing Charity, Faith, Fortitude, and Hope.

Upon stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a single nave, where the roof finds support solely in the gracefully curved and intersecting arches stemming from the outer walls. The interior decor is a captivating blend of the old and the new, featuring 18th-century frescoes on the ceiling and an organ in the choir, alongside contemporary paintings and stained-glass windows. Presently, the church is under the administration of Opus Dei, a Catholic organization that employs it for various activities. Notably, one of the side chapels honors the organization's founder, Monsignor José María Escrivá de Balaguer (1902–75), and houses an uncannily lifelike statue of him. Classical music concerts are occasionally held in the evenings, adding further charm to the ambiance.