Church of Santa Barbara, Madrid

The Church of Santa Barbara is a baroque structure on Barbara de Braganza Street in Madrid's Chueca neighborhood, featuring white stone walls and two towers. Its symmetrical exterior displays sculptures, while the interior combines classical architecture with rococo elements, decorated with marble, colored stones, and bronze details.

Queen Barbara of Spain commissioned this religious complex in 1748, originally built as a convent for noble young women. The building passed into state ownership in 1870 and has since served as a public church.

The church reflects the close bond between the Spanish monarchy and the church during the 18th century, serving as a royal family burial site. Today visitors can observe how this connection between royal authority and religious devotion shaped the building's design and purpose.

The building functions as an active place of worship and sits next to Spain's Supreme Court. The nearest metro access is at Colón station, which is within walking distance.

Sculptor Francisco Gutierrez created the royal burial monuments inside, which stand among the finest sculptural works in the country. These masterful stone carvings display remarkable detail and artistic skill.

Location: Madrid

Inception: 1758

Founders: Barbara of Portugal, Queen of Spain

Architects: François Carlier, Francisco Moradillo, Miguel Durán Salgado

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Part of: convent of the Salesas Reales

GPS coordinates: 40.42453,-3.69387

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57