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Convent of Las Descalzas Reales

Convent of Las Descalzas Reales: Our most recommended tours and activities

Madrid: Guided Walking Tour of Monasterio de las Descalzas

1. Madrid: Guided Walking Tour of Monasterio de las Descalzas

Explore the Monastery of Descalzas Reales Monastery on a guided tour and learn the stories and legends of what was once the richest convent in all of Europe. Allow your guide to take you through history, as you admire impressive paintings, staircases, and the many rooms within the building. Meet your guide at the Plaza de las Descalzas, right in front of the entrance door to the Monastery to begin the tour. Arrive at the entrance of the Monastery of the Descalzas Reales and listen to an explanation of its facade and exterior, before entering inside. Admire important areas of the building's interior, such as the cloister, through which passes the Procession of the Holy Burial that takes place every year on Good Friday. Then, contemplate the main staircase, considered by many to be the true jewel of the monument. On the walls, take in the mural paintings created during different periods that adorn the walls. In particular, look up at the ceiling to discover the impressive painting attributed to Claudio Coello. Through the tour, access the Tapestry Room, the Choir Room, and find Plateresque doors, countless works of art of enormous value, and paintings by some of the greatest painters in history such as Zurbarán, Antonio Moro or Luca Giordano.

Top highlights of Madrid Bike Tour- 3hrs (e-bike optional)

2. Top highlights of Madrid Bike Tour- 3hrs (e-bike optional)

Discover the monuments and people of Madrid on an intimate cycling tour and see places not accessible to other modes of transport. Whether travelling alone or with friends, the 3-hour bike tour is the perfect way to spend your time in the city. You will be in the company of a knowledgeable English-speaking monitor, who will provide useful tips and advice about what to do and see while in Madrid. Pedal through Plaza Mayor, the Paseo del Prado, home of the legendary Prado Museum, and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), official residence of the Spanish monarchy. See the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, and ride through the city’s landmark Parque del Retiro. You will stop en route at various points of interest, to hear the fascinating history and stories of Madrid’s people and places. Get to know all the must-see attractions of the Spanish capital, and discover spots away from the typical tourist paths.

Madrid: Tour of the Historic City Center

3. Madrid: Tour of the Historic City Center

Discover Madrid and its fascinating architecture on this exciting tour. Start the tour at Puerta del Sol and walk past the stunning sights such as the Church of San Ginés, the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Almudena Cathedral. Learn all about the history of Madrid as you wander through the narrow streets off the main roads. In addition to the Palace of the Councils and the Plaza de la Villa, you also see the Torre de los Lujanes and hear interesting anecdotes before you continue on to the Monastery of Corpus Christi las Carboneras and the Plaza de la Paja. Admire the old Cava Baja street, which is known for its taverns and tapas bars. The covered Market of San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, and the Literary Quarter are further highlights on the tour that provide exciting stories of the Golden Age. After the tour you can mark further attractions and quaint taverns on your map to explore later on. You can also enjoy the view from a viewing terrace at the end of the tour upon request.

Monastery of Descalzas Reales, Tapas and walking Tour

4. Monastery of Descalzas Reales, Tapas and walking Tour

Discover The Monastery of Descalzas Reales founded by Joanna of Austria, catalogued as cultural Heritage. The sober façade of the Monastery contrasts sharply with the richness of the interior of the building, filled of wall paintings, nativity scenes, reliquaries and tapestries, amongst many works of art, which make up its fascinating history. The main staircase of the original palace-house is one of the most important pieces, decorated with mural paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. After the visit your guide will take you to taste the famous hot chocolate with churros or tapas. The experience continues with a walking tour of Madrid de los Austrias getting to know the historic center of the city and let you to know the most important stops in Madrid, as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the Royal Palace.

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What people are saying about Convent of Las Descalzas Reales

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 146 reviews

The place is not to be missed. The art collection is amazing.(tomp oil staircase , tapestry room, etc. ) Sadly the guide was not so good. The poor woman had a bad back and did not feel well. I recommend reading about the daughters of Nobility before going who are the ones that founded it and stayed there, hence the name. Continue to the next Claustro. La Real ENCARNACIÓN Monastery. The guide was OUTSATNDING, very passionate and knowledgeable We booked it directly on site Don’t miss the reliquary room .

The guide was very informative. There were also many tips on restaurants, tapas bars and more.

Great tour with a really great guide...!!! Highly recommended and informative...

hidden wonder. Excellent visit, well documented and very enjoyable