St. Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, but few know the true story of the patron saint of lovers. Even fewer know that part of the saint’s mortal remains can be seen in a church in the heart of Madrid.

Visit St. Valentine on vacation in Madrid

The city of Madrid is Spain’s capital and is a place of manicured parks, elegant boulevards, museums and art galleries housing European art. At the Prado Museum, visitors can see works by Velázquez, Goya and other Spanish masters. A visit to the Plaza Major reveals the heart of Old Hapsburg, while close by is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory.

Meanwhile, this magnificent city also features a special place for those travelers with a romantic soul. At a church in the heart of the city, they can visit the remains of St. Valentine. Read on to find out more about the patron saint of lovers and his history.

Who was St. Valentine?

According to España Fascinante, many theories revolve around St. Valentine, who lived sometime between the 3rd and 5th centuries. However, the most accepted theory is that St. Valentine was a priest from the 3rd century who disobeyed the Roman Emperor Claudius II the Gothic. The emperor had forbidden his soldiers to marry as he believed this would be a distraction from their military obligations to the Roman Empire.

However, Valentine disagreed with this role and decided to secretly marry anyone who wished it. Sadly, after the truth was discovered, he was tortured and later sentenced to death. However, he already had many followers to his name who were grateful to Valentine for his courage. Rather gruesomely, the priest’s body was thrown into a mass grave. However, his loyal followers recovered his remains to give him the burial he deserved.

The patron saint of love’s remains arrive in Madrid

During the reign of King Charles IV in the 17th century, the mortal remains of St. Valentine arrived in Madrid as a donation from the Pope himself. However, it should be noted that parts of the saint’s remains were spread around the world. Cities like Dublin, Rome and Prague also have their own special place of worship for the saint.

However, travelers who visit Madrid and view the saint’s remains at the Church of San Antón, on Hortaleza Street. When inside the church, head to the side chapels of the temple, where the “Crucificado de los Niños” is located.

At his feet is a glass urn containing part of the saint’s remains. Moreover, the urn is clearly marked with the words San Valentín mártir, patrón de los enamorados. This message translates in English to “Saint Valentine the martyr, patron saint of lovers.”

When visiting Madrid in the future, take time out to visit St. Valentine’s remains with your loved one to thank him for the romance in your life.