PRIVATE WALKS & MONASTERIO DESCALZAS REALES TOUR

The Royal Convent of the Barefoot Nuns: An Exclusive Exploration of Spain’s Counter-Reformation Heritage

Madrid Museum Tours invites you on an unparalleled private visit that blends art, history, and culture, taking you deep into one of the most enigmatic chapters of Spain’s history: the Royal Convent of the Barefoot Nuns. This tour offers a rare opportunity to uncover the mysteries of royal convent life, its ties to the Counter-Reformation, and the intricate symbolism hidden within its walls.

Guided by a licensed guide with a major in art history this private tour, according to the revelations of Harvard’s PhD Katherine Mills, offers a detailed examination of the Convent of the Barefoot Nuns Madrid—an institution with a fascinating history. Founded by Juana de Austria, the daughter of Emperor Charles V, this convent was a monumental gift to the Poor Clare Franciscan nuns, who have maintained the convent for nearly 500 years. Juana de Austria herself almost became the first and only Jesuit nun of her time, an exceptional figure in the religious and political landscape of the Counter-Reformation.

Awarded the title of Best European Community Museum in 1987, the Royal Convent of Barefoot Nuns is a hidden gem in Spain’s capital. Its most famous attraction is the collection of 17th-century Flemish tapestries, depicting the Sacrament of the Eucharist, with cartoons crafted by the renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens. However, this private visit goes far beyond these well-known works. You’ll delve into the mysteries of royal convent life, exploring both real and metaphorical doors that have kept the secrets of the royal nuns for centuries.

Uniquely, as a client of Madrid Museum Tours, you’ll enjoy an individual private tour in English—an extraordinary privilege. The convent usually only allows tours in Spanish for groups of up to 20 participants. This private, personalized experience offers a level of insight and access that few others can match.

After exploring the convent, you’ll continue with a private walking tour through the most charming parts of Madrid downtown, discovering unexplored landmarks and historic spots tied to Spain’s royal and religious past.

This private tour combines the art experience of unveiling the secrets of one of the best European museums with a rich narrative of Spain’s royal and religious history, offering an in-depth look at the figures, like the underrated personality of Juana de Austria, who redefined the cultural and spiritual identity of the nation during the Counter-Reformation.