Madrid! Sacred Spaces to Delight Your Senses

San Antonio de los Alemanes, Interior

When people think about cities with sacred monuments and spaces, they probably don't immediately think of Madrid. They might first think of places like Mecca and Jerusalem. And if the topic is famous cathedrals, they might think of Notre Dame in Paris (to reopen in December 2024). Or, maybe they would remember the Vatican where many tourists visit the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica every year. They might even think of cathedrals in other Spanish cities like Santiago de Compostela, famous for the pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, among others. There are many beautiful cathedrals in Spain that you may or may not have heard of before.

Sacred Spaces in Madrid

Madrid has its own cathedral and a number of other churches and sacred spaces where you can see beautiful stained glass, religious relics, beautiful paintings and tapestries, not to mention the architecture. Here we'll focus on a few that you might want to visit on your first trip to Madrid: the Almudena Cathedral, the Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans (pictured), the Monastery of the Descalzas Reales, the Church of Saint Jerome the Royal, and the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great. To keep this brief, following is a bulleted list with a high-level overview of each of these places, some key dates, and links to help you plan.

• The Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena) - The seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid, this is a relatively new cathedral. It took more than a century to build and wasn't completed until 1993 when it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II. It was originally going to be constructed in the Gothic style but plans were changed and it ended up being comprised of multiple architectural styles. We really enjoy this cathedral each time we visit. We especially like the motif on the ceilings. It faces the Royal Palace of Madrid and between the two is an area where you can see a stunning sunset. Read more about this cathedral here.

• Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans (Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes) - This small, oval church dating back to 1630 is hidden in the Malasaña neighborhood a little ways north of the Gran Vía, about half way between the Callao metro station and the Gran Vía metro station. It's a very unassuming brick structure on the outside. So, you might walk by. But step inside and you will be instantly delighted. The walls, ceiling, and dome are all frescoes. Have a seat on one of the pews and take it all in while listening to the soft chanting music they have playing. The official website is only in Spanish and other sources have bad information. So, just note that you can visit Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 5 PM. They are closed for the month of August. Sundays are reserved for religious services. To get there, google this address: Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo,16 28004 Madrid. It's 5 euros per person, cash only.

• Monastery of the Descalzas Reales (Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales) - Originally the palace of Carlos I of Spain, his daughter Juana who had been born in the palace converted it into a monastery in the late 1500s. This monastery Was built in the Renaissance style (think geometric shapes, symmetry, arches, domes, columns). The structure also has Baroque elements due to later renovations (baroque is more ornate and meant to trick the eye and create a sense of movement). Follow this link for more information and how and when to visit.

• Church of Saint Jerome the Royal (Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real) - This is one of the oldest churches in Madrid and was once part of a monastery that no longer exists. It was completed in 1505, commissioned several years earlier by Queen Isabella, the same Queen of note in the age of the discovery of America. The church has been very well maintained over the centuries. But the monastery suffered considerable damage. Part of what was the monastery is now an annex of the Prado Museum which sits just down hill from the church. This church is of major importance. It originally sat across from the Royal Palace that existed in Retiro Park. It still occupies its original spot but the palace no longer exists. For centuries it was essentially the church of the royalty, the site of coronations and other royal ceremonies. The church was built in the Isabelline Gothic style, in the form of a latin cross. Gothic architecture typically has buttresses, pointed arches, rose-shaped and other shapes of stained glass, and columns. Isabelline Gothic is exuberant and ornate with some Renaissance elements. The facade was later restored in the neo-Gothic Style. There is no cost to enter. So, if you time it right, you could visit either before or after you see the Prado Museum or Retiro Park. Check here for details.

• The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great (Basílica Real de San Francisco el Grande) is one of Madrid’s most striking sacred landmarks, renowned for its immense dome—one of the largest in Spain. Originally a Franciscan monastery, the building underwent a dramatic transformation in 1760, when it was completely demolished to make way for a grander and more architecturally ambitious church. The ambitious redesign was first undertaken by Fray Francisco Cabezas, who envisioned a circular temple crowned by a monumental dome. However, after seven years of work, construction was halted due to disagreements over the dome’s design. Years later, under the patronage of King Carlos III, work resumed under the famed Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, the mastermind behind Madrid’s Puerta de Alcalá and the reconstruction of Plaza Mayor. The basilica was finally consecrated in 1784, and nearly two centuries later in 1963, Pope John XXIII granted it the status of Basilica Minor.

  Inside, visitors will find breathtaking frescoes, gilded altars, and artwork by Francisco Goya and other celebrated Spanish painters. The basilica’s intricate neoclassical design, combined with its rich history, makes it a must-see for those exploring Madrid’s sacred spaces. This is a place of worship with limited visiting hours for tourists. Click here to find out more. 

Madrid’s sacred spaces hold centuries of history, artistry, and devotion. Whether you’re drawn to the striking Almudena Cathedral, the frescoed beauty of Saint Anthony of the Germans, the regal legacy of Saint Jerome the Royal, or the grand Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, each site tells a unique story. These landmarks offer more than stunning architecture—they provide a deep connection to Madrid’s spiritual and cultural past.

Have you visited any of Madrid’s historic churches or monasteries? Which ones stood out to you? Share your experience in the comments!