The Convent de las Descalzas Reales is a regal monastery that dates back to the 16th century. With a rich history in both senses of the word “rich,” the convent initially amassed a fortune from the donated dowries of spinsters and widows. In the museum, learn about the happiness and sorrows of the sisters in the monastery.
The pope allowed the monastery to open as a museum in 1960, after the nuns encountered financial difficulties. Stroll through the corridors of the galleries and study the bejeweled and sparkling relics that once belonged to the nuns. Spot what are thought to be the vestiges of the cross of Christ as well as the bones of St. Sebastian.
Inspect the illustrious tapestry designs by 16th-century artist Rubens and admire Titian’s painting Caesar’s Money. Among the other works gracing the exhibition are a range of portraits and precious masterpieces by Brueghel the Elder.
Wander through the spacious nave of the monastery’s church. It is adorned with invaluable frescoes and religious relics. Study the marble statue of Joanna of Austria appearing to pray in the chapel.
The monastery stands on the site of a former palace, where Charles I and Isabella of Portugal lived. See the tomb of their daughter, who founded the convent in the 1500s.
There is a fee for entrance to the museum and church. Young children can go for free. The site opens Tuesday through Sunday from morning until early evening, with a short closure in the afternoon.
Find the Convent de las Descalzas Reales on the northern side of the Plaza Descalzas, in the center of Madrid. Take the metro system to the Callao station and walk south for several blocks to get here. Make your way around the area for other surrounding gems such as the Plaza del Callao, the Museo de Escultura al Aire Libre and the Plaza de San Martín.
