The Convent of Las Descalzas Reales was founded in 1559 by Joanna of Austria, sister of King Philip II of Spain. The present monastery is located partly on the site of one of the first palaces built in Madrid. The building, in the classical style of the 16th century, was designed by the architects Antonio Sillero and Juan Bautista de Toledo, and houses important works of art. Part of the monastery is currently dedicated to a museum that can be visited.
The church of San Ginés is a Catholic church under the patronage of San Ginés de Arlés (303 or 308 AD). The building was built in the mid-seventeenth century, and together with the paintings and sculptures that it houses inside, it forms an important historical, artistic and architectural ensemble of the so-called Madrid de los Austrias.
The church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen and San Luis Obispo, built between 1611 and 1640, is the only remnant of the former Carmelite convent of Carmen Calzado. The convent was dismantled in 1836, but the church was preserved and converted into a parish church in 1910.
The Basilica of San Miguel, built between 1739 and 1745 by the architect Santiago Bonavía, is one of the most beautiful Spanish Baroque churches in the city. The church of Saints Justo and Pastor was there before, dating from before the 13th century, but damaged by a fire in 1690, it was finally destroyed.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter