LAS DESCALZAS REALES: ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PLACES OF WORSHIP IN MADRID
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Although the Monastery of las Descalzas Reales is a place of seclusion, since 1960 the Vatican has given permission to interrupt the daily retreat of the 19 poor clares who live here to make the structure open to visitors. This place, in fact, although full of charm and art masterpieces, has remained for a long time away from the most tourist routes and, even today, is not one of the most popular destinations either by tourists or by the Madrilians themselves, who often reserve a distracted look for it while strolling through the Madrid de los Austrias. Yet here are preserved works of art of great value. Here, in fact, there are tapestries woven in Brussels on Rubens cartoons depicting the Apotheosis of the Eucharist, or works by Jan Brueghel the Elder, Francisco de Zurbaràn and Tiziano.
The Monastery
The construction of the building dates back to the second half of the 1500s, as evidenced by the plateresque style facade and the magnificent renaissance staircase. The destination as a monastery dates back to 1559, by Joan of Austria, daughter of King Charles V and Infanta of Spain who was its founder and who rests here. Joan of Habsburg and her sister Maria, widowed empress who retired here until her death in 1603 also lived in the Monastery of las Descalzas Reales.
INFORMATION
https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en
Location:
Plaza de las Descalzas
Timetables:
Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 6.30pm
Sundays and holidays from 10 to 15
Entrance fees:
Full: 6 euros.
Free admission on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6.30 pm
How to get to the Monastery of las Descalzas Reales:
Metro: Callao (lines 3 and 5), Opera (lines 2, 5, Renfe), Sol (lines 1, 2, 3)
Guided tours
All tours are guided (in Spanish or English), with groups of 15-20 people and last approximately one hour. We recommend that you book the entrance online or arrive at the monastery in the morning at 10 and take one of the few tickets (usually ending around 13) that are available directly at the property.
For information and reservations click HERE