Church of Our Lady of Marvels, Baroque church in Universidad district, Madrid, Spain.
The Church of Our Lady of Marvels is a Baroque structure featuring prominent columns and an ornamented facade that exemplifies 17th-century Spanish architecture. The interior presents a richly decorated sacred space with functional areas designed for monastic life.
Construction started in 1668 under architect Sebastián Herrera Barnuevo at King Philip IV's initiative to house Castilian monks from Montserrat Abbey. The building later served different purposes before returning to its original religious function after significant repairs.
The building functions as a priory for Benedictine monks and houses a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists. The interior decoration reflects the connection between monastic life and artistic creation.
Visits are possible on specific days and during defined time slots, which requires planning ahead. It is wise to check current opening times beforehand, as these may vary depending on the season or religious events.
The building was converted into a women's prison between 1835 and 1939 before being returned to its religious purpose. This unusual history demonstrates how structures can undergo dramatic changes in function and later reclaim their original role.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
