Capilla Mayor del Hospital de la Caridad de Illescas, Religious art complex in Illescas, Spain.
The Capilla Mayor del Hospital de la Caridad is a chapel containing five paintings by El Greco, including scenes of the birth of Christ and depictions of the Virgin's charity toward the poor. The works are set within ornate wooden altars featuring classical columns and carved details that frame the entire interior.
A cardinal founded the charitable hospital in the early 16th century, and the building gradually took form over several decades. A renowned artist later arrived to decorate the sanctuary and fill it with his works.
The chapel displays religious artworks that El Greco arranged with skill throughout the space. Visitors can see how the paintings work together with the altars to create a unified whole centered on faith.
Visits happen on weekdays and typically do not take long since the space is fairly small. It is worth checking current opening hours in advance, and visitors should allow time to look closely at the altar and paintings.
El Greco served not just as painter but also took charge as art director, personally planning every detail of the decoration. This hands-on control over the entire design makes the chapel a rare example of a thoroughly conceived artistic project executed by a single artist.
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