Step Into History with a Personalized Tour in English of the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales

Are you looking for a unique, enriching experience while wondering what to do in Madrid? This personalized tour of the Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales by Madrid Museum Tours offers a captivating dive into the artistic, spiritual, and political legacies of this historic convent. Discover the intricate relationship between the Franciscan Poor Clare nuns, their religious imagery, and the sacred relics of the Order of Santa Clara, all housed in the former Convent of Our Lady of Consolation—better known today as Las Descalzas Reales. 

The Austrian Dynasty’s Convent: A Tale of Noble Legacy

Founded in 1559 by Juana of Austria, daughter of Emperor Charles V, the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales was originally the Renaissance palace of her father’s treasurer, Alonso Gutierrez. Juana chose this sentimental site, where she was born, as her final resting place. This iconic space became a sanctuary for 33 noblewomen embracing the monastic life of the Poor Clare.

During the tour, licensed guide and founder of Madrid Museum Tours, Mr. Hernan A. Satt, will bring the convent’s fascinating history to life with engaging narratives, including:

• Why the proper name is Convento de las Descalzas Reales rather than simply “Monastery of…”
• The significance of religious imagery, and sacred relics contributed by the Empress Maria of Austria, Margarita of Austria, Ana Dorotea of Austria, and Isabel Clara Eugenia, which cemented the convent’s ties to the Austrian Dynasty.
• How the convent served as a political extension of the Royal Palace in the 16th and 17th centuries, empowering the “Austria-Nuns” beyond the convent walls.

Unveiling the Role of Religious Imagery and Sacred Relics

From chapels to altars, the convent is home to an array of priceless sculptures and religious artifacts that have inspired generations. This personalized tour reveals:

• How the Franciscan Poor Clare nuns organized their celebrations of the Saints.
• The symbolic connections they crafted between various chapels and their venerated Saints.
• The meticulous preparation behind the convent’s most important religious festivities.

The Secrets of the Royal Barefoot Nuns

Step deeper into the mystery of convent life as you uncover its layers of binary harmony and sacred privacy. On this exclusive private tour, Mr. Hernan A. Satt will reveal:

• The hidden spaces created to maintain the nuns’ solitude.
• The dynamic spirituality reflected in the Rubens Tapestries and sacred objects.
• The profound symbolic interplay between the nuns’ chapels and processional rituals.

A Living Treasure of European Heritage

Recognized by the European Commission in 1987 for its vital role in preserving European cultural heritage, the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales offers a timeless journey into art, faith, and history.

Book Your Private Tour Today

Whether you’re fascinated by the Austrian Dynasty, mesmerized by the spiritual beauty of the Rubens Tapestries, or intrigued by the hidden spaces of the Las Descalzas Convent, this personalized tour is the perfect way to explore the depths of Madrid’s cultural and historical heritage.

Your adventure into the heart of Madrid’s Royal Convents past awaits!

Note: The Tour through the Convent of Las Decalzas Reales is based on the thesis of Dr. Katherine Mills

Length: 1,5 hours tour – Tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, any time between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish.

Guides: All our guides are licensed by the Madrid Regional Government and Art History specialists.

High-quality audio gear for crystal-clear listening to your guide.

Tickets: Cost of  admission is included in the tour pricing.

• Our designated meeting point is at the entrance to the Descalzas Reales convent.
• This tour is not available nither on Mondays, Wednesday and Sundays

Cancellations: before 8 days of the tour: NO penalization

• Less than 7 days before the Tour: 100% cancellation cost

Book this tour: Please fill in the contact form and we will contact you within 24 hours to confirm it.