Introduction
Nestled along the banks of the Manzanares River, the Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida stands as a testament to the understated elegance of late 18th-century Neoclassical architecture. While its sober stone facade might suggest a modest parish church, this "secret gem" of Madrid houses one of the most breathtaking artistic treasures in Spain. Commissioned by King Carlos IV and designed by architect Filippo Fontana, the chapel was completed in 1798 and has since become a site of deep cultural and spiritual resonance, famously serving as the heart of the traditional feast of St. Anthony every June 13th.
The true allure of the chapel lies within its dome and vaults, where the legendary Francisco Goya unleashed his creative genius. Goya transformed the interior with a series of vibrant frescoes depicting the miracles of Saint Anthony of Padua, surrounding the saint with a cast of characters that look remarkably like the ordinary citizens of Madrid. Unlike the rigid religious art of the era, these works are celebrated for their modern, fluid brushstrokes and emotional intensity. The chapel’s significance is further heightened by its role as Goya’s final resting place; the artist's remains were interred here in 1919, forever linking the master to his "Sistine Chapel of the Manzanares."
Why You Should Visit
- Goya’s Masterpiece: Witness the only large-scale mural ensemble by Francisco Goya that remains in its original architectural context.
- A Quiet Escape: Located just a short distance from the bustling city center, it offers a tranquil, intimate atmosphere far from the crowds of the Prado Museum.
- Cultural Heritage: Experience a site that perfectly blends royal history, religious devotion, and the pinnacle of Spanish Enlightenment art.
Highlights
- The Miracle of Saint Anthony by Francisco de Goya (1798): This expansive dome fresco depicts the saint resurrecting a man to testify in his father's defense, uniquely set against a backdrop of 18th-century Madrid society.
- The Adoration of the Trinity by Francisco de Goya (1798): Located in the apse vault above the high altar, this work portrays the divine presence of the Holy Spirit surrounded by a celestial arrangement of clouds and angels.
- The Pendentive Angels by Francisco de Goya (1798): These four large-scale figures supporting the dome are celebrated for their feminine beauty and Goya’s innovative, broad brushwork that predates Impressionism.
Getting There
The Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida is located at Gta. de San Antonio de la Florida, 5, in the 28008 district of Madrid.
Public Transport
The museum is well-connected to the city's transit network. Visitors can reach the site using the following options:
- Metro: The chapel is accessible via the Madrid Metro system.
- Bus: Several local bus lines stop at the Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida.
- Train: The area is served by the regional train network (Cercanías).
Walking
The chapel is situated along the Manzanares River, making it an easy walk for those exploring the riverside paths or the western areas of the city center.
Taxi and Car
Taxis and rideshare services can drop passengers directly at the museum entrance. If traveling by private car, the site is located at the Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida, a major landmark in the area.
Parking
Limited street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Given the chapel's location in a popular area for visitors, public transportation is often the most convenient option.
Admission & Opening Hours
To plan your visit to the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, please refer to the official resources for the most current information.
Opening Hours
- Specific opening times are currently unavailable; please check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
Admission
- For details regarding admission fees and entry requirements, please visit the official website.
Nearby Attractions
- Príncipe Pío (550m, 7-minute walk): A historic former railway station that now serves as a major transportation hub and a large shopping and leisure center.
- Madrid Río Park (100m, 1-minute walk): A sprawling linear park along the Manzanares River featuring landscaped gardens, modern pedestrian bridges, and scenic walking paths.
- Parque del Oeste (250m, 3-minute walk): A vast green space famous for its English-style gardens, a renowned rose garden, and the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod.
- Casa de Campo (600m, 8-minute walk): Madrid’s largest public park, accessible via the nearby bridge, offering a large lake, woodland trails, and panoramic city views.
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
- Specific opening hours and peak times are not specified; visitors are encouraged to check for current schedules before arrival.
- Consider checking for local events or holidays in Madrid that may influence site access.
Photography
- Photography regulations for the site are not specified.
- Please observe all on-site signage and follow staff instructions regarding the use of cameras and flash.
Accessibility
- Accessibility information for the site is not specified.
- Visitors with specific mobility requirements are advised to verify entry conditions upon arrival.
Facilities
- Services and on-site facilities are not specified.
- The typical visit duration is not specified, allowing for a flexible itinerary.
- It is recommended to plan for
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main attraction of the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida? A: The chapel is world-renowned for its stunning Neoclassical architecture and its interior decorative program. It houses a magnificent cycle of frescoes painted by the Spanish master Francisco de Goya at the end of the 18th century. These paintings, particularly the depiction of the miracle of St. Anthony in the dome, are considered among Goya’s greatest masterpieces.
Q: Is Francisco de Goya actually buried here? A: Yes. Since 1919, the chapel has served as the final burial place for Francisco de Goya. His remains were moved here from Bordeaux, France, to rest beneath the very dome he decorated. Interestingly, while his body is interred here, his skull was famously missing when his body was first exhumed in France and remains a mystery to this day.
Q: How do I get to the chapel using public transport? A: The chapel is easily accessible via several public transport options:
- Metro: The nearest major station is Príncipe Pío (Lines 6, 10, and Ramal).
- Train: Cercanías lines C-1, C-7, and C-10 stop at Príncipe Pío.
- Bus: Several EMT bus lines serve the area, including lines 41, 46, 75, and 573.
Q: Why are there two identical chapels standing next to each other? A: To ensure the preservation of Goya's frescoes, a "twin" chapel was built right next to the original in the 1920s. The original chapel (the Ermita) was converted into a museum, while the newer building took over the religious functions and services to prevent smoke from candles and large crowds from damaging the historic artwork.
Q: Are there guided tours available for individual visitors? A: Official guided tours are only available for organized groups and must be booked in advance by calling +34 915 420 722. Individual visitors are welcome to explore the chapel at their own pace during public opening hours, but there are no walk-in guided tours for individuals.
Q: Is there an admission fee to enter the chapel? A: Entry to the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida is generally free of charge for all visitors. However, it is always recommended to check the official Madrid Tourism website for any temporary changes to ticketing or special exhibition fees.
Q: What is the maximum capacity for group visits? A: To maintain the safety of the site and the comfort of visitors, group sizes are strictly limited to a maximum of 25 people inside the chapel at any one time. All groups must have a prior reservation.
Q: What is the significance of June 13th at the chapel? A: June 13th is the Feast of St. Anthony (San Antonio). This is one of the most traditional festivals in Madrid. During this celebration, it is a local custom for young "modistillas" (seamstresses) and other singles to visit the chapel to drop thirteen pins into the baptismal font, hoping the saint will grant them a partner.
Q: Can I take photographs of the frescoes inside the chapel? A: Photography and filming are generally restricted or prohibited inside the original chapel to protect the delicate pigments of Goya’s frescoes from light damage. Visitors are encouraged to check the specific signage at the entrance or ask the staff for the current policy regarding non-flash photography.