Madrid, January 17 – Among museums, monasteries are key cultural drivers. Tourists choosing Madrid as their next destination are not only seeking the hustle and bustle of Gran Vía, filled with shops and musicals, but are also drawn to its historical side, linked to writers like Miguel de Cervantes or Lope de Vega, and even to Spanish royalty, such as the Madrid of the Austrias.
A Hapsburg Treasure in the Heart of Madrid
Under the Hapsburg dynasty, between the 16th and 17th centuries, Madrid saw the flourishing of an imperial capital, whose constructive emblems included buildings that are now must-visit attractions: the Royal Palace, popular public spaces like Plaza Mayor, labyrinthine streets, and convents with austere exteriors but a large number of relics inside. This is the case of the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación.
Located at Plaza de la Encarnación, number 1, this religious institution of Augustinian Recolect nuns is one of the best examples of the Hapsburg architectural style, fitting into the Herrerian or austere Baroque. It is characterized by the use of granite on its sober facade, in contrast to the ornamental richness of its interior, where the intervention of Ventura Rodríguez stands out. The architect responsible for its construction was the chief architect of royal works, Juan Gómez de Mora. Among his greatest achievements are the Plaza Mayor and the modernization of the Royal Alcázar of Madrid. Another notable intervention during his reign was the construction of the Cerca de Felipe IV, an extension of the walled enclosure to adapt Madrid to urban growth, which was already approaching 90,000 inhabitants.
Founded in 1611 by Kings Philip III and Margaret of Austria-Styria, the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación was declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1994. The initiative arose from the personal commitment of the queen, who was captivated by the refined work promoted by Princess Joanna of Portugal, daughter of Emperor Charles V, in the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales. Desiring to replicate that model, she ordered the construction of a similar building next to the Alcázar, to which it was connected by a passageway. Patrimonio Nacional is responsible for its management.
Artistic Riches and a Unique Reliquary
The convent houses a valuable collection of paintings and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries, with prominent artists such as Lucas Jordán, Juan Van der Hammen, Vicente Carducho, Gregorio Fernández, and Pedro de Mena. One of its most unique elements is its reliquary, which brings together some 700 pieces made from materials such as bronze, coral, ivory, and noble woods, originating from Italy, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The Miracle of Saint Pantaleon’s Blood
Among the most outstanding spaces of the monastery are the church, with a majestic dome decorated with plasterwork and frescoes attributed to Francisco Bayeu; the main altarpiece, a work by Juan Gómez de Mora; the cloister, with sober lines reflecting the Herrerian style; and the sacristy, where valuable liturgical objects are preserved. Special mention should be made of the reliquary, which houses the famous ampoule with the blood of Saint Pantaleon, which, according to tradition, miraculously liquefies every July 27. The Hall of Kings is one of the most unique rooms in the complex, decorated with a series of royal portraits in bust and life-size, representing Spanish monarchs linked to the convent. On its walls hang 17th-century Flemish tapestries, and above the fireplace, a canvas of the founder, Queen Margaret of Austria, stands out.
General admission to the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación costs 9 euros, although there are various discounts, as well as free entry for children under 5 and on specific dates such as International Museum Day (May 18) or the National Day on October 12. However, it is also possible to visit the monastery free of charge on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM. These free tickets can only be obtained at the venue’s ticket office.
The monastery’s proximity to the Royal Palace and its rich history make it a significant cultural attraction, offering a glimpse into the Madrid of the Hapsburgs and a chance to appreciate valuable works of art. Its continued accessibility, including free visiting hours, ensures that this historical gem remains open to all who wish to explore it.
