Descalzas Reales Monastery

Construction of this building began under Antonio Sillero and was later continued by Juan Bautista de Toledo between 1559 and 1564, for what would become a monastery for Poor Clare nuns. It occupies the former palace of Charles I and Isabel of Portugal. In 1535, their daughter Juana—who would later go on to found the convent—was born there. She is buried in one of the chapels, beneath a funerary sculpture in prayer by Pompeo Leoni.

Architecturally, the Plateresque façade and the impressive Renaissance stairway stand out as some of the most remarkable original features. While the interior was extensively refurbished in the 18th century by architect Diego de Villanueva, the cloister still preserves much of the original structure and decorative elements from the Plateresque palace.

Juana and her sister María, the widowed empress who died here in 1603, both lived in the monastery. Frescoes from the 17th century can still be seen on the stairway and in the Capilla del Milagro chapel. Also preserved are a series of Brussels-woven tapestries based on designs by Rubens, depicting the Triumph of the Eucharist. These were entrusted to the monastery by Princess Isabel Clara Eugenia, daughter of Philip II and Sovereign of the Netherlands.

The monastery has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and received a special distinction from the Council of Europe in 1987, recognising its exceptional artistic and cultural value. Its most recent refurbishment began during the pandemic-related closure in 2020–2021, allowing for the renewal of eight halls. This included the restoration of more than 50 works, the incorporation of additional pieces from the cloister, and the installation of a new LED lighting system.