A Historical Legacy in the Heart of Usera
By the pond of Pradolongo Park stands the Maris Stella church, an emblematic building that has witnessed over a century of history. With its grey dome and a rooster-shaped weathervane, this church is not only an architectural landmark but also a symbol of the social and cultural evolution of the Madrid district of Usera.
Built between 1920 and 1930, Maris Stella is the only property of heritage value in Usera. Its history is intrinsically linked to the growth of the Orcasitas neighbourhood, which began to populate in the mid-20th century. At that time, the first inhabitants arrived from various Spanish regions in search of better job opportunities during industrialisation. The church quickly became the social hub of the new settlement, serving as a meeting point for newcomers.
During the Spanish Civil War, Maris Stella suffered severe damage due to bombings that impacted its structure. Despite the visible scars on its dome, the temple continued to be a beacon for the community for several decades. However, from 1980 onwards, the building fell into disuse following the closure of the adjacent school and the widespread deterioration of the surrounding area.
With the urbanisation of Pradolongo Park inaugurated in 1983 by Enrique Tierno Galván, the old church became an integral part of the local landscape. Its inclusion in the municipal catalogue as a protected element in 2009 marked an important milestone for its conservation and revitalisation.
The rebirth of Maris Stella formally began in 2016 through a participatory process involving local residents, associations, and schoolchildren. For three months, workshops were held to discuss how this historical space should be used. The consensus was clear: to transform the church into an Environmental Interpretation Centre linked to the park.
Construction began in February 2019 and was completed in June 2021. This project not only restored the original aesthetic elements of the building but also adapted it for new cultural and educational uses. Additionally, classrooms for environmental education and sports spaces for canoeing were built.
Today, Maris Stella operates as an Environmental Education Centre offering a rich variety of training activities aimed at youth employment. From interpretative routes to educational workshops for local schools, this space has come to life again as a central place for the community.
Outside, a landscaped square serves as a nerve centre for neighbourhood gatherings and cultural initiatives such as eco-markets or outdoor classes. Despite the passage of time and the radical transformations its surroundings have undergone since its construction over a hundred years ago, the old rooster continues to watch from above; a constant reminder of both the past and the promising future that awaits this historic church.
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