Virgin of Almudena

The Virgin of Almudena (Virgen de la Almudena) is a medieval statue of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The image is regarded as a patroness of Madrid, Spain. [1]

The original medieval Virgin of Almudena
Virgin of Almudena at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid

The Cathedral of Madrid is dedicated to this title of the Virgin, and her feast day, 9 November, is a major holiday in Madrid. There are replicas that are used in processions, as well as more recent versions of the staue at various places.

Despite various legends as to her origin, art historians attribute the statue now in the cathedral to the Netherlandish sculptor, Diego Copín de Holanda, who worked in Spain, around 1500. Its name derives from the Arabic term of Al Mudayna, or the citadel.

Legends

There are various legends regarding the icon. One story is that in 712, prior to the capture of the town by the advancing Muslim forces, the inhabitants of the town secreted the image of the virgin, for its own protection, inside the walls surrounding the town. In the 11th century, when Madrid was reconquered by the King Alfonso VI of Castile, the Christian soldiers endeavored to find the statue. After days of prayer, the spot on the wall hiding the icon crumbled, revealing the statue. Another legend is that as Christian soldiers approached the town, they had a vision of Mary imploring them to allow her to lead them into the city. Again the miraculous crumbling of the wall occurred, with the icon showing an entry route through the walls.

References
  1. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. "Our Lady of Almudena, November 9". Retrieved 2018-05-14.
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