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Descalzas Reales Monastery

    Information

    Building was started by Antonio Sillero and later continued by Juan Bautista de Toledo between 1559 and 1564 for the Monasterio de las Clarisas. This Monastery occupies the ancient palace of Carlos I and Isabel of Portugal. In 1535, their daughter Juana, who later founded the Convent, was born there. She herself is buried in one of the chapels, with a praying funerary sculpture by Pompeyo Leoni.

    Regarding its architecture, the Plateresque façade and the magnificent Renaissance stairway are the most interesting original elements. The interior was completely refurbished in the 18th century by Diego de Villanueva. The structure and many decorative elements from the Plateresque palace are conserved in the cloister.

    Juana and her sister María, the widowed empress who died here in 1603, both lived in this Monastery. Al fresco paintings in the stairway and the Capilla del Milagro from the 17th century are preserved. The tapestries woven in Brussels on Rubens canvases are highlights, representing the Triumph of the Eucharist. They were entrusted to this Monastery by the daughter of Philip II, Princess Isabel Clara Eugenia, Sovereign of the Netherlands.

    The Monastery has been classified as a Site of Cultural Interest, obtaining the distinction of European Museum of 1987. Its latest refurbishment, started during the enforced closure due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, has enabled a huge museum refurbishment to be carried out, affecting eight of its halls, including the restoration of more than 50 works, the incorporation of pieces from the cloister and the installation of a new lighting system with LED technology.

    Services
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    Guided tours
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    Shopping area
    Last updated: 02/03/2023
    Practical Information
    Tourist Information
    Address
    Plaza
    de las Descalzas, s/n
    28013
    Tourist area
    Sol / Gran Vía
    Telephone
    Fax
    Metro
    Callao (L3, L5)
    Ópera (L2, L5, R)
    Sol (L1, L2, L3)
    Bus
    75, 146, 147, 148, SE712
    Cercanías (local train)
    Madrid-Sol
    BiciMAD bike-share scheme

    Docking stations:

    - Plaza de Celenque A/B (Plaza de Celenque, 1)

    - Calle Jacometrezo, 3

    Price

    General:  6 euros. Previous online purchase of the tickets (for Spanish guided tour only) is strongly recommended.

    Free admission on Weds and Thur from 4 to 6.30pm for EU citizens, residents, and holders of work permits in the EU, and citizens of Ibero-American countries. Please note that you will be asked to show proof of concession.

    Times

    Guided tours only. Approximative length: 1 hour

    Tues - Sat: 10:00am - 2:00pm / 4:00pm - 6:30pm
    Sundays and holidays: 10:00am - 3:00pm

    Ticket desk and access to the monastery close 1 hour beforehand.

    Type
    Sights and monuments

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