圣方济各皇家大教堂

By far my favorite church in Madrid. It is SO beautiful and unique. It's been closed every time I've walked by, but fortunately we happened to walk by on a Sunday afternoon and it was open. Mass was in progress, so we didn't get to go in the back part and see the paintings, but I was more than thrilled just to see the inside (and it's free when service is going on). Built in the mid-late 1700's, it supposedly replaced a Franciscan Convent founded by St Francis de Assisi in 1217 as he passed through Madrid on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostelo. What I found to be so unique and striking about this basilica is that the nave is under the dome (usually the alter is under the dome). And the sheer size and beauty of the dome is simply stunning (it's supposedly the 4th largest in the world at 56m high and 33m wide, the largest in Spain). It reminds me more of the Pantheon in Rome, than a typical church. In addition, be sure not to miss all of the elaborate wood work, the marble statues of the apostles, and the beautiful frescos inside the chapels. Truly a special place worth visiting (if you're lucky enough to find it open) - I'd even shell out the 3 euros to see it.

Basilica was built in 18th century and is famous for 2 things: the dome and frescos by Goya in one of the chapels. The dome is truly spectacular measuring 33 metres in diameter and 58 metres in height and covered in paintings. If not during the mass, entrance is allowed only on a guided visit. Unfortunately our was in Spanish only (in January, maybe in high season there are English ones). Entrance fee is 3 euros and guide talks about the dome, then takes you through the chapels and sacristy. Check my photos for information on opening hours - it may help in planning your itinerary.

While impressive in its own right from the outside, the inside of this church is even more incredible. The frescos are immaculate and the sheer size of the structure make this a must stop. For architecture buffs you can't miss this Basilica.

From outside this church seems to be rusty eventhough the building is still impressive.However when you went inside, definitely you will be stunned.I can say this church is the most beautiful one in Madrid.It is so big and the paintings inside are beautiful.Do not miss the tour guide inside if you can speak Spanish.Closest metro will be Puerta de Toledo.

Words cannot describe how beautiful this place is.If you're interested in the religious history of Madrid this is a must see!! The artwork contained here is unlike anything my husband and I have seen.

There's no other way to describe the interior - it's really something. Well worth seeing, but in retrospect I wish I'd done more homework or purchased an in-depth guide. While it's perfectly OK for a spanish church in Madrid to give tours only in Spanish it meant that I was left grasping to understand the detail - and there's plenty - of what was being shown. As others have said, you do need to join the tour - it's the only way to see the back corridors and to have the lights turned full on.in the church.

What was most interesting about this Basilica is that the interior decorations were very modern from the ceiling to the stained glass windows. Quite unique! However, I found the crypt to be more interesting, especially the sculptures and carvings. A bit of a hidden gem since you have to reach this place on the outside of the basilica.

Almost didn't go in but so glad we did. Full of beautiful stained glass, paintings and Frescos. Statues, beautiful carved pieces and lovely twisty pulpits of gold and marble. Back rooms full of paintings as well; you'd never know there was so much going on behind the lovely church itself, which was the only church to rival the truly beautiful ones you see in Florence or Barcelona. Yes, there is a tour, and yes, it's only in Spanish but excuse me you are in SPAIN! Does your local church give tours in other languages? Why do English speaking people love to find "local" supposedly "untouristy" places but expect English to be spoken by the locals? I don't really speak much Spanish but along with the Russian, German, Finnish folks we all listened and looked where the guide pointed and it was fine. Luckily one of the Finnish guys understood Spanish, and told his friend that the pictures there are copies of originals, not originals, so don't tell folks that you saw a Goya there, unless he misunderstood. The Prado is full of Goya as is his tomb, painted by Goya himself, in San Antonio de la Florida. Also costs three Euro, not six, but I got a euro discount as I told the warm and funny souvenir-counter-ticket seller gentleman that I am a teacher. Do drop in if you are passing by, you won't regret it.

A truly surprisingly spectacular church inside. We were told that the cupola or dome is the third largest in diameter in the World after the Agrippa Pantheon in Rome, and St. Peter in the Vatican. Beautifully decorated with frescoes, bronze statues, and amazing paintings from artists such as Goya and Zurbarán. One of the many amazing churches in Madrid. It has an adjacent convent of cloistered Franciscan monks, that, or course, can´t be visited. If you have time, don´t miss either the beautiful San Antonio de los Alemanes church, much smaller and tiny, but also in the Madrid Baroque style. Both charge a small fee that goes to the charity work that the religious orders that manage them do.

I am not fan of football.Sorry. But I bought my husband a ticket so I wanted to see for the first time how it looks and just to be partner in crime there:) I was surprised!!!they have a culture of waching games (we were watching Real M. vs Atletico on Januarry 15th) and it was a really amazing experience :)))

We liked it more than Almudena. Very big and impressive! It's a nice church and in an interesting location.

if you are into cathedrals and religious places this place is for.both interior and exterior are good.....

A short distance from the famous arch "Puerta de Toledo" this church like the majority of the churches of the city is very charming, there are paintings and artwork enviable to a museum. If you're in the area 10 minutes to visit the church inside I would spend them.

i saw it only outside, because it was already closed. It's worth seeing,because of the view around the Basillica

The only way to enter this beautiful cathedral is by paying three to six euro's per person and following the guided tour - only available in Spanish - which takes more or less one hour. You can imagine that this tour was quite useless for non-spanish speakers like myself.Nevertheless, the stunningly beautiful murals and paintings by Goya, Zurbaran and other famous painters make it definitely worth listening to a guide you can't understand at all. On top of that, you gain access to the rooms behind the altar, which you couldn't visit without taking the tour. Also: the guide puts on the lights. Otherwise, without taking the tour, you would have to admire these pieces of art in the shades...My advice: pay the 3-6 euro's, you are only one time in Madrid and you will regret not seeing this!