Basilica of San Francisco el Grande

Discover the grandiose of an ancient church – located in the neighbourhood of La Latina, Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande is one of the finest Roman Catholic churches of Madrid. The baroque church was built in 18th century in the same place where St Francis of Assisi had built a chapel in 13th century. The imposing facade is dominated by a massive dome, 33 m in diameter, and 58 m in height. The dome has an unusual resemblance to that of the Pantheon. The interior of the church are worth exploring. The circular floor is surrounded by chapels guarded by marble statues of the 12 apostles. The Capilla de San Bernardino contains magnificent painting of the saint by the Spanish maestro Goya. The highlight of the church is the cupola adorned with paintings by José Marcelo Contreras. The church features seven doors carved out of American walnut by Casa Juan Guas. The corridors behind the high altar contain paintings by 17th century well known artists Francisco Zurbarán, and Francisco Pacheco. Visit the church during non-mass hours when you get to access the interior and visit the corridors as well. The works by Spanish renaissance masters will leave you speechless.