Descalzas Reales Monastery

Seclusion for the nobility

The convent is located right in the heart of Madrid, and was founded by Juana de Austria, the sister of Philip II. This is a religious building which served as an enclosed convent. Many ladies of the nobility would seek seclusion at this monastery, taking their personal belongings with them. This is the reason the convent today has such an important collection of paintings, tapestries and religious images, including works by famous artists such as Titian, Sanchez Coello, Brueghel and Luini, among others.

Practical info:
Construction: Monastery
Origin: 16th century
Artistic period: Renaissance
Historic period: 16th century
Setting: Royal Encarnación Monastery, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor Square, Plaza de la Villa square, Royal Theatre, Los Austrias quarter.

Prices:
General: €7
Reduced: €4
(children 5-16 years, over 65s and students with ID).
Admission free:
Children under 5 years; on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon for European Union citizens, and on 18 May (International Museum Day).
ICOM members and associations: Admission free
Disabled persons: Admission free

Useful information:
From Tuesday to Saturday
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
From 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Public holidays and Sundays
From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, 1 and 6 January, Easter Week, 1 and 15 May, 9 November and 24, 25 and 31 December.