San Jerónimo el Real

Madrid, Spain

San Jerónimo el Real, which has undergone numerous remodelings and restorations over the centuries, is the remaining structure of the Hieronymite monastery that once stood beside the royal palace of Buen Retiro, of which a portion now serves as the Prado museum. Its proximity to the royal palace also underscores a connection to royalty, serving for centuries as the church used for the investiture of the Prince of Asturias.

The Hieronymus monastery had been built near the river Manzanares, during the reign of Henry IV of Castile in the neighborhood of the El Pardo palace. But suffering due to the marshiness of the site, during the reign of Isabella I, the Monastery of the Hieronymites was moved to a site next to an incipient royal palace. The new monastery was built in Isabelline Gothic style. The church was chosen for the investiture of the Princes of Asturias and future king Philip II on April 18, 1528.

King Philip II moved the Spanish court to Madrid in 1561, and had the retreat enlarged to become the Palacio del Buen Retiro. He established a royal bedroom against the presbytery, such that he could hear mass from his bedroom. The Palacio del Buen Retiro was largely destroyed in the Napoleonic French occupation of Madrid. In 1808 the monks were expelled from the monastery and French troops were quartered in the monastery, causing major damage to the building, and the church was almost left in ruins.

The first major restoration was performed during the reign of Isabel II of Spain, between 1848 and 1859, by the architect Narciso Pascual Colomer, in the Isabelline Gothic style, who added some new elements such as towers. The second restoration, 1879 to 1883, by Enrique María Repullés, created the building as a parish church. Only a few external features remain of its original structure. The exterior remodeling of the nineteenth century in a neo-Gothic style by Pontian Ponzano remains controversial.

The stairway that faces the street, was constructed in 1906 on the occasion of the wedding of King Alfonso XIII to provide more impressive access to the church. For many decades, the Baroque cloister, designed by Fray Lorenzo de San Nicolás, remained in disrepair. Finally, in 2007, an agreement between the church and the government led to the appropriation of the land for the cloister by the Prado Museum. The inner courtyard facade was dismantled, and then rebuilt as a cubic room, designed by Rafael Moneo in an expansion of the museum.

The church contains sculptures by Benlliure, Juan Pascual de Mena’s 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte, and paintings by Vincenzo Carducci and José Méndez, neo-Gothic lamps and stained-glass windows.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Calle Moreto 4, Madrid, Spain
See all sites in Madrid

Details

Founded: 1503-1505
Category: Religious sites in Spain

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Luciano Carvalho (4 months ago)
The Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real is a beautiful Gothic-style church with a rich history and peaceful atmosphere, located near the Prado Museum. Its intricate details and serene interior make it a lovely, quiet escape from the busy streets of Madrid.
Chandra Kanth Reddy (4 months ago)
This is a church located right next to Prado museum. While waiting for museum time, its a good idea to stopby here for photos in evening. If you decide to go inside, there is always some mass going on, so you have to be quiet
David Tan (5 months ago)
The Church of San Jerónimo in Madrid is a breathtakingly beautiful and grand space, rich in history and religious significance. Its stunning interior features captivating paintings and religious artifacts that draw visitors into a deep spiritual and cultural experience. The impressive Gothic-style architecture, combined with its detailed artwork and altars, creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Situated near the Prado Museum, it’s a must-see for anyone exploring Madrid’s cultural landmarks. Whether you are an art lover or seeking quiet reflection, the Church of San Jerónimo offers a beautiful escape into Spain’s religious heritage.
Kavitha Chandra (6 months ago)
Saint Jerome the Royal (in Spanish San Jerónimo el Real) is a Roman Catholic church from the early 16th-century in central Madrid (Spain).
Elias Chelala (Chewy) (2 years ago)
San Jerónimo el Real is a historical gem nestled in the heart of Madrid. The architecture of this church is simply breathtaking, with its intricate details and stunning Gothic design. Walking through its doors feels like stepping back in time. The peaceful ambiance inside is perfect for reflection and a break from the bustling city. The interior is equally impressive, with beautiful stained glass windows and a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just seeking a quiet moment of solace, San Jerónimo el Real is a must-visit. Don't forget to explore the surrounding area, as it's filled with more of Madrid's rich history and charm. A visit here is a journey through time, and it's a place I would recommend to anyone visiting Madrid. It's a true testament to the city's rich heritage. #SanJerónimo #Madrid #HistoricalGems #GothicArchitecture
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.