Madrid Spain Temple

Visitor Insights

Visiting Madrid Spain Temple

Visitors to the Madrid Spain Temple can expect a serene and reverent atmosphere. While there is no formal visitors' center, an arrival center is available for those attending temple sessions. The grounds are beautifully maintained, offering a peaceful environment for reflection. The temple stands as a symbol of faith and commitment for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spain and the surrounding region.

Highlights

Experience the spiritual peace within the temple grounds.
Witness the beautiful architecture and design of the temple.
Learn about the significance of the temple in the lives of Latter-day Saints.

Things to Know

Temple worship is reserved for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are in good standing.
Appropriate attire is required when entering the temple.
Photography is not permitted inside the temple.

Tips for Your Visit

Plan Ahead

Check the temple schedule online before your visit to ensure it is open and sessions are available.

Dress Respectfully

When visiting the temple grounds, dress modestly and respectfully.

About

The Madrid Spain Temple stands as a beacon of faith in the heart of Spain, marking a significant milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the first temple in Spain and the seventh in Europe, it symbolizes the Church's established presence and commitment to serving its members in the region. The temple provides a sacred space for members to participate in ordinances that strengthen their connection with God and their families.

Announced on April 4, 1993, by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Madrid Spain Temple quickly became a symbol of hope and growth for the Church in Spain. The groundbreaking ceremony, also presided over by President Hinckley on June 11, 1996, marked the first visit of a Church president to Spain, further solidifying the temple's importance. The dedication of the temple from March 19-21, 1999, was a momentous occasion, celebrated by Latter-day Saints throughout Spain and neighboring countries.

The temple's architecture reflects a modern-classical design, featuring a single spire topped by a statue of the angel Moroni. Clad in Italian Camaro marble, the exterior radiates a bright white appearance, distinguishing it from the surrounding buildings. The Madrid Spain Temple serves as a spiritual anchor for members of the Church, providing a place of peace, reflection, and divine connection.

Religion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Status

Operating

Dedicated

March 19, 1999

Architect

Arquitechior Langdon, SA

Area

45,800 square feet (4,250 square meters)

Gallery

Symbolic Elements

The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:

Angel Moroni Statue

The statue of the angel Moroni stands atop the temple spire, symbolizing the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints believe that Moroni was an ancient prophet who appeared to Joseph Smith and delivered the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. The golden statue serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the divine message of the restored gospel.

Italian Camaro Marble

The exterior of the Madrid Spain Temple is clad in Italian Camaro marble, giving it a bright white appearance that distinguishes it from the surrounding buildings. The marble symbolizes purity, strength, and enduring faith. Its smooth, polished surface reflects the light, creating a radiant and inviting presence.

Single Spire

The temple features a single spire, reaching towards the heavens and symbolizing the connection between earth and the divine. The spire serves as a focal point, drawing the eye upward and inspiring feelings of reverence and spiritual aspiration. It represents the temple's role as a place where individuals can draw closer to God.

Olive Trees

The grounds are landscaped with Spanish olive trees, representing peace, wisdom, and prosperity. Olive trees are a common sight in Spain and the Mediterranean region, adding a touch of local culture and heritage to the temple grounds. Their presence symbolizes the enduring nature of faith and the blessings of the gospel.

Fountain

A large fountain is located at the plaza entrance, symbolizing the living water of Jesus Christ. The flowing water represents purification, renewal, and the blessings of the gospel. The fountain's gentle sounds create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, welcoming visitors to the temple grounds.

Holiness to the Lord Inscription

Above a front-facing window, the words 'Holiness to the Lord: The House of the Lord' are inscribed. This inscription reflects the sacred nature of the building and its purpose as a place where individuals can draw closer to God. It serves as a reminder of the temple's divine purpose and the importance of reverence and respect within its walls.

Ordinance Rooms

The Madrid Spain Temple includes four ordinance rooms, where sacred ordinances are performed. These rooms are designed to create a reverent and peaceful atmosphere, allowing individuals to focus on their spiritual connection with God. The ordinances performed in these rooms are essential to the faith and beliefs of Latter-day Saints.

Sealing Rooms

The temple also includes four sealing rooms, where families can be eternally united. These rooms are beautifully decorated and designed to create a sacred space for this important ordinance. The sealing ceremony symbolizes the eternal nature of family relationships and the blessings of eternal life.

Interesting Facts

The Madrid Spain Temple was the first temple in Spain and the seventh in Europe.

Gordon B. Hinckley became the first Church President to visit Spain for the groundbreaking ceremony.

During the open house, over 44,000 people toured the temple.

Gordon B. Hinckley presented the King and Queen of Spain with a Lladro figurine of the Christus.

At the time of its dedication, the Madrid Spain Temple served Latter-day Saints in Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and southern France.

The temple is part of a complex referred to as the 'Temple Square of Madrid'.

Missionary work in Spain began in 1967 after the passage of a religious liberty law.

Clark Hinckley, son of President Gordon B. Hinckley, was among the first missionaries sent to Spain.

The exterior of the temple is made of Italian Camaro marble.

The temple has four ordinance rooms and four sealing rooms.

Year Dedicated

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Floor Area

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Site Area

Common Questions

What is the purpose of temples in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Temples are considered houses of God, sacred spaces set apart from the world. Latter-day Saints believe temples are the most sacred places on earth, used to perform sacred ordinances and make covenants that bind families together and connect individuals to God.

Who can enter the Madrid Spain Temple?

Temple worship is reserved for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are in good standing and have a temple recommend from their local leaders.

What is the significance of the angel Moroni statue on top of the temple?

The statue of the angel Moroni symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints believe that Moroni was an ancient prophet who appeared to Joseph Smith and delivered the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated.

What should I wear when visiting the Madrid Spain Temple grounds?

When visiting the temple grounds, it is recommended to dress modestly and respectfully. While there are no specific dress codes for the grounds, it is important to maintain a reverent atmosphere.

Are there any accommodations for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the temple provides some accommodations for those with disabilities, including headsets for patrons with hearing impairment. Contact the temple in advance to inquire about specific needs.

What is the 'Temple Square of Madrid'?

The 'Temple Square of Madrid' refers to the complex surrounding the Madrid Spain Temple, which includes a meetinghouse, a family history center, patron and missionary housing, a distribution center, and an eight-story office building.

Featured Stories

The Announcement of the Madrid Spain Temple

April 4, 1993

On April 4, 1993, during the Church's general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the plans to build a temple in Madrid, Spain. This announcement was met with immense joy and gratitude by Latter-day Saints throughout Spain, who had long desired a temple in their own country. The news spread quickly, filling members with hope and anticipation for the blessings that a temple would bring to their lives and the growth of the Church in Spain.

For many years, Spanish Latter-day Saints had traveled long distances to attend temples in other countries, often facing significant financial and logistical challenges. The prospect of having a temple in Madrid, a place where they could more easily access sacred ordinances and strengthen their faith, was a dream come true. The announcement marked a turning point for the Church in Spain, signaling a new era of growth and spiritual development.

Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom

The Dedication: A Historic Event for Spain

March 19-21, 1999

The dedication of the Madrid Spain Temple from March 19-21, 1999, was a truly historic event for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spain. President Gordon B. Hinckley presided over the ten dedicatory sessions, each filled with spiritual power and reverence. Members traveled from all corners of Spain, as well as from Portugal, the Canary Islands, and southern France, to participate in this momentous occasion.

The dedication of the temple not only provided a sacred space for members to worship and perform ordinances but also served as a symbol of the Church's commitment to Spain and its people. The event was widely covered by the media, raising awareness of the Church and its teachings throughout the country. The Madrid Spain Temple became a beacon of faith, attracting visitors and inspiring countless individuals to learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom

The Groundbreaking: A President's First Visit

June 11, 1996

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Madrid Spain Temple, held on June 11, 1996, was a significant event in the history of the Church in Spain. President Gordon B. Hinckley presided over the ceremony, marking the first time a President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had visited the country. The event was attended by hundreds of members and local dignitaries, all eager to witness the beginning of this sacred project.

President Hinckley's presence at the groundbreaking underscored the importance of the Madrid Spain Temple to the Church and its members. His visit served as a testament to the growing strength and vitality of the Church in Spain, and it provided a powerful message of hope and encouragement to the Latter-day Saints who had worked so diligently to establish their faith in the country. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Church in Spain, one filled with promise and opportunity.

Clark Hinckley, son of President Gordon B. Hinckley, was among the first missionaries sent to Spain.

Milestone

History by Decade

1960s — Early Missionary Efforts

Missionary work in Spain officially began in 1967, following the passage of a religious liberty law that allowed for the official recognition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prior to this, efforts to establish the Church in Spain were limited due to legal restrictions. The arrival of the first missionaries marked a significant turning point, as they began to share the message of the restored gospel with the Spanish people.

1970s — Growth and Development

The 1970s saw steady growth in the number of Latter-day Saints in Spain. As more individuals embraced the gospel, congregations were established, and Church programs were implemented. This period was characterized by the dedication and perseverance of early members who worked tirelessly to build a foundation for the Church in Spain.

1980s — Strengthening the Foundation

During the 1980s, the Church continued to strengthen its presence in Spain. New meetinghouses were constructed, and efforts were made to translate Church materials into Spanish. Leadership training programs were implemented to develop local leaders and ensure the long-term stability of the Church.

1990s — The Temple Era Begins

The 1990s marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Church in Spain with the announcement and construction of the Madrid Spain Temple. The announcement in 1993 brought immense joy and anticipation to Latter-day Saints throughout the country. The groundbreaking in 1996 and the subsequent dedication in 1999 were landmark events that solidified the Church's presence in Spain.

2000s — Consolidation and Service

Following the dedication of the Madrid Spain Temple, the Church focused on consolidating its gains and providing service to the community. Members engaged in various humanitarian projects and outreach programs, demonstrating their commitment to living the teachings of Jesus Christ. The temple became a center of spiritual strength and a symbol of hope for Latter-day Saints in Spain.

2010s — Continued Growth and Adaptation

The 2010s saw continued growth and adaptation for the Church in Spain. As the country faced economic challenges, members found strength in their faith and continued to serve one another and their communities. The Church also embraced new technologies and communication methods to reach out to individuals and share the message of the gospel.

Architecture & Facilities

The Madrid Spain Temple showcases a modern-classical architectural style, blending traditional elements with contemporary design. The temple's exterior is clad in Italian Camaro marble, giving it a bright white appearance that stands out against the surrounding landscape. The design incorporates clean lines, symmetrical proportions, and a single spire topped by a statue of the angel Moroni, creating a sense of elegance and reverence. The temple's architecture reflects its purpose as a sacred space, inviting individuals to draw closer to God and experience spiritual peace.