Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, Neoclassical basilica in La Latina, Spain
The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is a neoclassical church in Madrid's La Latina neighborhood, built in the late 1700s with a striking stone facade and grand interior layout. The building features a large central dome, surrounding chapels decorated with marble and gold elements, and walls displaying religious artworks throughout the main hall.
This church was built in the late 1700s on a site long associated with Saint Francis of Assisi, who reportedly visited the area during his travels. The neoclassical style reflected Madrid's architectural preferences of that era and the basilica became one of the city's important religious structures.
The basilica holds deep meaning for Madrid's Catholic community as a place dedicated to Saint Francis and attracts those interested in religious pilgrimage traditions. Visitors can sense this spiritual purpose through the care taken in decorating the interior and the way people move through the space during services.
The church sits on a pedestrian-friendly street in the historic La Latina quarter, making it easy to reach on foot from nearby landmarks and plazas. Visitors should check opening hours before arriving, as times vary by season and religious services may limit access to certain areas.
The building holds a rare set of change ringing bells cast in England in the 1880s, a musical tradition more commonly found in British churches. These bells remain functional today and represent an unusual musical heritage for a Spanish basilica.
Location: Centro
Location: Madrid
Inception: 1761
Architects: Francisco Cabezas
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: Gran Vía de San Francisco
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30-12:30,16:00-18:00; Saturday 10:30-12:30,16:00-18:00 "Si no se ofician actos religiosos"; July, August, September: Tuesday-Sunday 10:30-12:30,17:00-19:00
Phone: +34669892313
GPS coordinates: 40.41043,-3.71456
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Madrid brings together royal history with everyday city life. The city holds palaces from the 18th century, wide parks, and art collections built up over generations. The Royal Palace sits on the site of a medieval fortress, while Retiro Park was once royal grounds before opening to the public. The Prado Museum shows European paintings from several centuries, and the Templo de Debod is an Egyptian temple brought to Madrid in the 1970s. The city's squares reflect different periods. Plaza Mayor from the 17th century hosted public events, while Puerta del Sol marks the geographic center of Spain. Gran Via emerged in the early 20th century as a modern thoroughfare. Markets like San Miguel and the Sunday flea market at El Rastro reveal daily rhythms. Neighborhoods such as La Latina keep narrow streets and traditional taverns, while parks like Casa de Campo offer wide green space on the city edge.
Madrid establishes itself as one of the richest cultural capitals in Europe. Behind its wide avenues and lively squares, the city reveals a heritage that is royal, artistic, and popular. From the Royal Palace to the Prado, from the Retiro Gardens to the alleys of Plaza Mayor, each neighborhood tells a piece of Spanish history. Art lovers discover masterpieces from the Golden Age, visitors stroll between contemporary museums, markets, and cathedrals, while Madrilenians enjoy their parks as open-air salons. Between iconic museums, historic buildings, and lively places, this selection gathers the essential sites to understand Madrid’s beauty and energy, balancing tradition and modernity.
Segovia Viaduct
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Gardens of Las Vistillas
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Church of Virgen de la Paloma and San Pedro el Real
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Chapel of Obispo de Madrid
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Mercado de la Cebada
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Palace of the Vargas
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Garden of the Prince of Anglona
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Seminario Conciliar de la Inmaculada y San Dámaso
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Dalieda de San Francisco, Madrid
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La Fuentecilla
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Hospital of la Venerable Orden Tercera
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Palacio del Duque del Infantado, Madrid
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Colegio Arzobispal de Madrid/Seminario Menor de Madrid
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Fuente de la Cuesta de los Ciegos
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Hombre Sentado
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La Violetera
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Mansion of the Marquis of Villafranca
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Relief of the coat of arms of Madrid in Calle Segovia, Madrid
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Cristo de los Dolores Chapel
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Capilla de San Isidro, adosada a la Iglesia de San Andrés
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Church of the Hospital de la Venerable Orden Tercera, Madrid
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Colegio La Salle-La Paloma
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Casa de San Isidro
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Monumento a Ignacio Zuloaga
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Commemorative plaque to José López Silva, Madrid
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Mural homenaje a mujeres víctimas de violencia machista en la calle Humilladero, Madrid
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Commemorative plaque to the Gate of Segovia, Madrid
394 mReviews
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