Convent of Las Descalzas Reales

The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales in the heart of Madrid was founded in 1559 by Juana of Austria, daughter of Charles V and sister of Philip II, who returned to Madrid as the young widow of the Portuguese heir. She converted her birthplace on Calle Mayor into a convent of Discalced Poor Clares, bringing aristocratic ladies of the Habsburg court with her as novices. For generations, deposed princesses and widows of the high nobility lived here, bringing artworks and relics as their dowries. The collection today includes paintings by Titian, Bruegel and Zurbaran, Flemish tapestries after designs by Rubens, and a large reliquary chamber. Patrimonio Nacional administers the house, where Poor Clares still live in strict enclosure; visitors enter only on a guided tour that takes in the painted staircase gallery and the tapestry chapels.