This convent, founded by Juana of Austria, the sister of Philip II, is located in the centre of Madrid. She was born here in what was at that time a palace and the home of her parents, Charles I of Spain and Isabel of Portugal. Her body lies in a chapel, with a kneeling sculpture by Pompeyo Orani.
The convent, built in the Plateresque style, has an important collection of paintings, tapestries and religious imagery. The reason for this is that a number of the noblewomen who entered the convent brought with them their dowries.
Tapestries and paintings
Of particular note are the tapestries woven in Brussels from cartoons by Reubens, showing the Apotheosis of the Eucharist, commissioned for the convent by the daughter of Philip II, the Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia, governor of the Netherlands.
On display inside are paintings by renowned artists such as Titian, Sánchez Coello, Brueghel and Luini. Frescoes from the 17th century are can still be seen on the staircase and in the Capilla del Milagro (Miracle Chapel).
Address
Plaza de las Descalzas 28013 MADRID.
Telephone: 91 454 88 00Public transport
Buses: 3, 25, 39 and 148 
Metro/underground: Ópera Station, Lines 5 and 2
Opening times:
- Convent of the Descalzas Reales:
Tue/Wed/Thu/Sat: 10:30am to 12.45pm and 4-5:45pm.
Fri: 10:30am to 12:45pm.
Sun/Public holidays: 11am to 1:45pm.
Basic rate:
- Monastery of the Descalzas Reales: 5 Euros, guided tour.
Reduced rate:
Travel agency groups.
- Monastery of the Descalzas Reales: 4 Euros, official tourist guide.
Minimum rate (I.D. card or other document required):
Spanish nationals and foreign citizens between 5 and 16 years. School groups, accompanied by teachers, group leaders and/or tutors.
Trainee-workshops and crafts schools. Retired persons, pensioners and EU benefit holders.
EU citizens over 65. Spanish and foreign students. Spanish and foreign disabled persons.
Members of national and international museum and art appreciation societies. European youth card holders.
- Monastery of the Descalzas Reales: 2.50 Euros, guided tour.
Admission free (I.D. card or other document required):
Under 5s. Prearranged school visits. Call 914548800 to check conditions.
Wednesdays, for EU citizens with proof of nationality.
In museums where there are tours both with and without a guide, free admission is only for tours without a guide.
