Real Hospicio de San Fernando, Historical hospice in Madrid, Spain
The Real Hospicio de San Fernando is a hospice in Madrid with a stone facade showing three sections featuring geometric patterns and a central sculpture depicting King Philip V assisting those in need. The building was designed with baroque decorations and curved architectural details that form a distinctive visual feature of the structure.
The hospice was founded in 1668 and relocated to Fuencarral Street in 1674. It underwent major reconstruction in 1721, with only the original chapel being preserved.
The building displays Spanish Baroque architecture with Churrigueresque elements visible in its ornate decorations and curved lines throughout the structure.
The former hospice now functions as a Museum of Madrid History, displaying artifacts and exhibitions documenting the city's development from the 16th to 20th centuries. Visitors can spend time exploring the different chronological sections to learn about urban growth over those periods.
The chapel houses a restored painting by Luca Giordano titled 'San Fernando ante la Virgen,' which was rediscovered beneath layers of paint during 1990s restoration work. This art historical rediscovery highlights how careful restoration efforts can uncover works of value that had been hidden from view.
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