Convent of Las Descalzas Reales
Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, Royal monastery in central Madrid, Spain
The Convent of Las Descalzas Reales is a former palace in central Madrid that houses rooms filled with religious artwork and religious objects. The chambers display paintings, tapestries, and portraits that reflect centuries of artistic patronage and collecting.
Joanna of Austria, sister of King Philip II, founded this monastery in 1559 by converting a palace into a spiritual center. The complex evolved over subsequent generations into a major repository of religious artwork and royal collections.
The resident nuns have shaped this space over centuries through their daily spiritual practices. Their presence among the artwork and relics demonstrates how religious life and artistic patronage have coexisted within these walls.
Access to the interior is usually by guided tour only, which allows visitors to move through rooms systematically. Morning visits tend to be less crowded, giving you more time to observe the artwork and details at a comfortable pace.
The interior houses several reliquaries, including objects that believers venerated as fragments from sacred sites. These relics were historically central to the spiritual purpose of this place and attracted pilgrims over centuries.
Location: Madrid
Inception: 1559
Founders: Joanna of Austria, Princess of Portugal
Architects: Antonio Sillero, Juan Bautista de Toledo
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: Plaza de las Descalzas
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-14:00,16:00-18:30; Sunday,Holidays 10:00-15:00; Monday off; January 01,January 06,May 01,December 24,December 25,December 31: off
Website: http://patrimonionacional.es/Home/Monasterios-y-Conventos/Monasterio-de-las-Descalzas-Reales.aspx
GPS coordinates: 40.41827,-3.70619
Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:52
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...
Plaza del Callao
191 m
Teatro Eslava
136 m
Church of Carmel
182 m
Casa de las Alhajas, Madrid
79 m
Fnac Callao
145 m
La Adriática Building
208 m
Monument to Francisco Piquer Rodilla, Madrid
37 m
Monument to Joaquín Vizcaíno, Madrid
44 m
Casa de Socorro del Distrito Centro
128 m
Commemorative plaque to Reynaldo Hahn
127 m
Casa Villamejor
73 m
Commemorative plaque to the Hotel Florida
183 m
Monte de Piedad building, Madrid
54 m
Commemorative plaque to Luis Daoíz
160 m
Casa-palacio de Isla Fernández, Madrid
81 m
Hotel Palacio San Martín, Madrid
65 mCortylandia
78 mScweppes
227 mPadre Piquer
37 mWork of art, statue
42 mJuana de Austria
22 mFray Tomás Luis de Victoria
56 mFrancisco de Quevedo
83 mPío Baroja y Nessi
35 mPepe Hillo
160 mSalvador Bacarisse
85 mCapilla - Portada del arquitecto Pedro de Ribera
44 mPlaca al Marqués de Villena
32 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes