Church Of St Mary Magdalene And Chapel Of Nuestra Señora De Montserrat

Visiting Hours and Tickets for Church of St Mary Magdalene and Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat in Seville

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

In the historic heart of Seville, the Church of St Mary Magdalene (Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena) and the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat stand as enduring symbols of the city’s profound religious devotion, Baroque artistry, and vibrant community life. These monuments are not only outstanding examples of architectural and artistic achievement but also play key roles in Seville’s spiritual traditions, especially during the world-renowned Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations. This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors, including history, artistic highlights, practical visiting details, accessibility, and cultural insights to enrich your exploration of these essential Seville historical sites.

For further details and official updates, consult the Seville tourism page, explore artistic analyses at SevillaXm2, or learn about the Brotherhood of Montserrat via Wikidata.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Origins and Architectural Splendor

The current Church of St Mary Magdalene was constructed between 1691 and 1709 under the direction of Baroque architect Leonardo de Figueroa, replacing an earlier Mudejar church. The building’s dynamic façade, richly decorated interior, and magnificent dome exemplify Sevillian Baroque, designed to evoke awe and spiritual elevation. The church’s dome is especially notable for its Latin inscriptions and radiant sun motif, symbolizing perseverance and faith (SevillaXm2).

Next door, the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat was founded in the early 17th century by Catalan merchants and is the spiritual headquarters of the Brotherhood of Montserrat. The chapel blends late Gothic structure with Renaissance and Baroque embellishments, reflecting the layered cultural connections between Catalonia and Andalusia (Montserrat Tourist Guide).

Both sites are integral to Seville’s religious identity. The Church of St Mary Magdalene is a central parish for the local community and hosts several brotherhoods (hermandades) that play prominent roles in Holy Week processions. The Chapel of Montserrat, with its revered Black Madonna replica, is a focal point for Catalan expatriates and the deeply respected Hermandad de Montserrat.

These landmarks are also active centers for social support and charity, continuing centuries-old traditions of service to the city’s most vulnerable. Preservation and restoration efforts ensure their enduring legacy as both sacred spaces and cultural treasures.

Artistic Highlights

Paintings and Sculpture

The Church of St Mary Magdalene and the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat house a remarkable array of religious art:

“Inmaculada” by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: An ethereal depiction of the Immaculate Conception, exemplifying the Sevillian school’s approach to Marian iconography (Catedral de Sevilla).
“Saints Justa and Rufina” by Francisco de Goya: Honors Seville’s patron saints with dramatic composition and expressive brushwork.
Works by Artemisia Gentileschi and Alonso Cano: Gentileschi’s psychological depth and Cano’s formal elegance are showcased in the church’s side chapels and treasury.
Sculptures by Pedro Roldán, Juan de Mesa, and Roque de Balduque: The main façade’s statue of St Dominic and the revered image of Our Lady of Amparo are highlights of Sevillian Baroque artistry.

Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat

The chapel’s neoclassical altarpiece frames the Black Madonna, surrounded by processional sculptures integral to Seville’s Semana Santa. The Cristo de la Conversión del Buen Ladrón (by Juan de Mesa) and the dolorosa Virgen de Montserrat (attributed to Gaspar de la Cueva) are especially significant for both artistic merit and devotional practice (Montserrat Sevilla).

Visitor Information

Location

Church of St Mary Magdalene: Calle de Bailén 5, 41001 Sevilla, Spain
Chapel of Montserrat: Calle Cristo del Calvario, 1B, 41001 Sevilla, Spain (Google Maps)

Both are centrally located within walking distance of the Triana Bridge, Plaza de Armas, and other major Seville historical sites.

Visiting Hours

Church of St Mary Magdalene:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Hours may vary during religious festivals. Check the official website or call +34 954 22 96 03 for updates.
Chapel of Montserrat:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- (Montserrat Sevilla)

Tickets and Admission

Church and Chapel: Admission is free. Donations are encouraged to support preservation.
Guided Tours: Available for a fee and can be booked in advance through official channels or local operators.

Accessibility

Both sites are accessible to visitors with limited mobility, featuring ramps and wide entrances. Some historic areas (choir, inner sanctuaries) may have restricted access. Contact the church or chapel in advance for specific accessibility needs.

Facilities and Visitor Tips

Restrooms: Not available on-site; public facilities are nearby.
Photography: Allowed without flash. Please respect guidelines, especially during services.
Dress Code: Modest attire is required—shoulders and knees should be covered.
Best Time to Visit: Early weekday mornings are quietest. Avoid major religious festivals for a less crowded experience.
Nearby Attractions: Seville Cathedral, Alcázar, Barrio de Santa Cruz, Triana neighborhood, and Museum of Fine Arts.

Liturgical Life and Special Events

Both the church and chapel are vibrant centers of Catholic worship, hosting daily masses and community events. The Hermandad de Montserrat’s Good Friday procession is among Seville’s Holy Week highlights, drawing thousands of pilgrims and locals. Special events include the Triduo in honor of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat (April 24–26, 2025) and devotional ceremonies throughout the year (Montserrat Sevilla).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Church of St Mary Magdalene visiting hours?
Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Sundays and holidays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Is admission free?
Yes, entrance is free for both the church and chapel; donations are appreciated.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, inquire at the church, chapel, or through local tour operators for availability.

Is the site accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Most main areas are accessible; some historic areas may have limitations.

Is photography permitted?
Discreet, non-flash photography is generally allowed, except during liturgical services.

Contact Information

Church of St Mary Magdalene: Calle de Bailén 5, 41001 Sevilla, Spain. Phone: +34 954 22 96 03. Official website
Chapel of Montserrat: Calle Cristo del Calvario, 1B, 41001 Sevilla, Spain. Phone: +34 954 21 55 17. Hermandad de Montserrat

Stay updated on events via their websites or Twitter.

Visual Resources

For a deeper appreciation, view images and virtual tours on the official websites and trusted platforms. Interactive maps (Google Maps) can assist in planning your visit.

Summary and Call to Action

A visit to the Church of St Mary Magdalene and the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat is a journey through Seville’s artistic, spiritual, and communal heart. With free admission, accessible facilities, and rich programming, these sites are indispensable for anyone seeking to experience the city’s Baroque brilliance and living traditions. Plan your itinerary, join a guided tour, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Seville. For more expert guides and up-to-date event information, download the Audiala app and connect with us on social media.