Real Monasterio de la Encarnación
Ancient convent with a renowned reliquary
Behind the granite façade of this convent lies one of the most important reliquaries of the Catholic church. Founded in 1611 by Felipe III and his wife Margarita de Austria, the exterior was designed by Juan Gómez de Mora who also worked on the Plaza Mayor.
The reliquary contains well over a thousand saintly relics, including a multitude of body parts, the most prized of all being the blood of St Pantaleón which is said to liquefy every July 26. If this fails to occur disaster is supposed to result.
The convent is also home to collections of royal portraits and sculptures of Christ.
Plaza de la Encarnación 1
Open for guided tours only (some in English): Tues–Sat 10am–2pm & 4–6.30pm, Sun & hols 10am–3pm.
Entry: €8; Wed & Thurs 4–6.30pm free for EU citizens.
patrimonionacional.es
Metro Ópera