Explore the Monasterio de la Encarnacion in Madrid

Name: Monasterio de la Encarnacion
Address: 1, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, 28013, ES
Rating: 4.6

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Explore the Monasterio de la Encarnacion in Madrid

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Madrid, the Monasterio de la Encarnacion is a captivating historical landmark established in 1611 by Margaret of Austria. Originally commissioned to enhance the city's spiritual landscape, this impressive monastery combines both a church and tranquil cloisters. Following a significant fire in 1767, architect Ventura Rodriguez masterfully redesigned the site, enhancing its Baroque aesthetics. Among its many highlights is the Relic Room, home to 700 meticulously preserved relics, each housed in ornate gold or silver reliquaries. One intriguing legend states that the blood of Saint Pantaleon, a cherished relic of the monastery, is said to liquefy annually on the saint's feast day, a phenomenon that stirs excitement and awe. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking frescoes in the Baroque-style church and appreciate artworks by renowned artists such as Juan Van der Hammen and Pedro de Mena. Note that guided tours, conducted in Spanish, are required to explore the interiors, making the Monasterio de la Encarnacion a unique blend of art, history, and spirituality in Madrid.

Reviews

Juan Reyes

Spain

The monastery, established by Felipe III from the Austrian dynasty, is currently home to 10 nuns. The religious art within is truly impressive, and be sure not to miss the room filled with relics.

Irene Wang

Taiwan

This monastery is conveniently located near my residence. Its interior reflects the traditional monastic style. To enjoy a proper visit, booking a 1-hour guided tour is essential. However, I found the tour guide to be quite monotonous, as if he has repeated the same information countless times, which can lead to boredom. Visitors should ensure they are well-rested before attending, as the experience might be less engaging if you're sleepy. It's remarkable that many nuns live here, dedicating their lives in seclusion without engaging with the outside world.

Sara Lopez

Spain

This place is truly a hidden gem in Madrid. It's astonishing how well it's concealed. The artworks are magnificent, and the room filled with relics as well as the chapel are just stunning.

Alejandro Vargas

Spain

What an incredible location, rich with masterpieces, paintings, and relics, steeped in sacred history. The church is luxurious, and the tour guide provided an exceptional experience. This place is definitely worth the visit!

Yuki Tanaka

Japan

Although the tour is not available in English, it remains a worthwhile visit for non-Spanish speakers interested in biblical history and appreciating art. Unlike most museums, wandering around is not permitted. The guided tour lasts around one and a half hours and is conducted for small groups. The docent was highly knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions we had after presenting the significance of each object. Overall, a very enjoyable experience.