I come back to look at this older post and decided should be updated with new pictures found in my cd rom vault and other for you and should be in my blog for you and me, There are wonderful monuments in this City and is a must to visit , me think, This is Alcalà de Henares in the Comunidad de Madrid of the kingdom of Spain, We took several walks all over the City and saw these magnificent architecture buildings full of history we love. Therefore, here is my take on the Church de la Compañía de Jesús,Capilla de las Santas Formas of Alcalà de Henares !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The Church de la Compañía de Jesús or of the Society of Jesus, now the parish church of Santa María, was built between 1602 and 1625. Its imposing granite façade is notable for its stylized pinnacles at the ends, the colonnade, and the statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the niches of the first level, and those of Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier in the upper level, sculpted in 1624. The church follows the classic model of a congregational church and is inspired by the Gesù Church in Rome. It has a Latin cross floor plan, with interconnected side chapels and a large dome at the crossing. The magnificent altarpiece was created between 1618 and 1629. Some of the original canvases from the altarpiece were moved to Madrid in the 19C.
The Capilla de las Santas Formas ; we can admire a chapel dedicated to this miracle that is without doubt one of the most beautiful monuments of Alcalá de Henares. In 1597, an anonymous repentant penitent, possibly of Moorish origin, after confessing his robbery, gave to the Jesuit Father Juan Juárez a rolled forms in which they came wrapped 24 consecrated forms; A board of university doctors addressed the subject and after its conclusions was ratified the miracle in 1619. Since 1624, they were in a valuable silver monstrance. The Chapel of the Holy Hosts was built in 1687 to house them. With its Greek cross floor plan and Baroque decoration, the church boasts the finest collection of frescoes in all of Alcalá, painted in 1699 and depicting various allegories of the miracle, a sight to behold in the dome. The oval-shaped sacristy features a striking fountain made of multicolored marbles, created in 1725. This magnificent work, located on the Gospel side, next to the apse of the former Jesuit church , remains unknown. It has a Greek cross plan and an exceptional dome on a drum, decorated inside with trompe-l’œil paintings. In 1786, the stained-glass windows were done.
The rear altarpiece is a modern work ; the one in front is Baroque, dating from the 18C. Between 1714 and 1718, the chapel’s sacristy was built, fully Baroque in both its octagonal shape with an oval dome and its decoration. Currently, a copy of the original monstrance is placed in the Baroque altarpiece, and 24 consecrated hosts are venerated there.
The origin of the incorrupt Santas Formas or Sacred Hosts dates back to 1597. It is said that a Moor, repentant of his sacrilegious theft, gave the Jesuit Father Juárez a package containing 24 consecrated hosts. Believing them to be poisoned, the priest removed them to a very humid place, but since they did not decompose over time, the relevant testimonial evidence was gathered until, in 1619, the miraculous event was publicly proclaimed. From that moment on, they were the object of great devotion among the people of Alcalá. The monstrance and the hosts were hidden a few days before the start of the Spanish Civil War. The three people who knew their location died during the conflict, and their whereabouts are unknown. Since then, the search has not ceased, and all kinds of methods have been used, including dowsing. Access is via the Callejon de las Santas Formas (Alley of the Holy Forms).
The City of Alcalà de Henares on its heritage : https://patrimoniohistorico.ayto-alcaladehenares.es/
The Alcalà de Henares tourist office on the chapel of Santas Formas : https://www.turismoalcala.es/en/turismo/chapel-of-the-santas-formas/
The Diocese of Alcalà de Henares on the Capilla Santas Formas on anniversary of adoration: https://diocesisdealcala.es/noticias/capilla-diocesana-santas-formas-xiii-aniversario-adoracion-eucaristica-permanente/
The Comunidad de Madrid tourist office on Alcalà de Henares : https://www.visitmadrid.es/en/where-to-go/alcala-henares
There you go folks, a monument for all tastes ,and to fully enjoy each and everyone of them Alcalà de Henares is a wonderful city to walk and be among architectural and historical gems such as these. See my other posts on the City in my blog, Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Church de la Compañía de Jesús,Capilla de las Santas Formas of Alcalà de Henares !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 