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Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real

The **Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real** in Madrid is a captivating blend of history, art, and architecture that enchants families and curious travelers alike. Originally commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs in the early 1500s, this church was once a royal monastery where Spanish kings rested and important ceremonies like royal weddings and proclamations took place. Its stunning **Isabelline Gothic style**, infused with Renaissance touches, creates an evocative atmosphere that invites visitors to step back in time. Inside, visitors can admire groin-vaulted ceilings, intricately carved pillars, and beautiful altarpieces, including works lent by the nearby Prado Museum. The church’s exterior showcases elegant neo-Gothic towers added during 19th-century restorations, giving it a fairy-tale appearance that delights both adults and children. Adjacent is a serene Baroque cloister, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection after exploring Madrid’s bustling city center. Whether attending a mass, marveling at the architecture, or simply soaking in centuries of royal history, the Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real offers a unique and welcoming experience for all ages, making it a must-see cultural gem in Madrid.

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Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real

Kings listened to mass straight from their beds here—no walking required! Built between 1502 and 1505 for the Catholic Monarchs, San Jerónimo on Calle de Moreto is Madrid's ONLY surviving Gothic church from that era. That monumental staircase out front? Built for Alfonso XIII's royal wedding in 1905. Eight paintings from the nearby Prado museum hang specifically here inside these side chapels. This monastery somehow survived the devastating 1808 war that destroyed nearly everything surrounding it. Look up at those soaring Gothic vaults...five hundred years old and perfectly original.

Did You Know?

  • :La Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real fue el escenario de la jura de todos los príncipes de Asturias, herederos al trono español, desde Felipe II en 1528 hasta Isabel II en 1833, convirtiéndola en el lugar histórico por excelencia para la sucesión real en España.
  • El edificio cuenta con un 'Cuarto Real' construido por Felipe II, un dormitorio real adyacente al presbiterio desde donde los monarcas podían asistir a misa sin salir de sus aposentos, una costumbre también presente en El Escorial y que refleja la estrecha relación entre la monarquía y la iglesia.
  • Durante la Guerra de la Independencia, la iglesia fue ocupada por tropas francesas y quedó prácticamente en ruinas, pero tras su restauración en el siglo XIX, alberga esculturas de artistas destacados como Benlliure y Juan Pascual de Mena, que pueden descubrirse en su interior.
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