The Church of San Jeronimo el Real, commonly known as the Hieronymites, is a prominent Roman Catholic church located in the heart of Madrid. Built in the 16th century in the Elizabethan Gothic style, the church is the remains of an ancient Hieronymite monastery that was located next to the Royal Palace of Buen Retiro, part of which is now part of the Prado Museum. The church has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the centuries, the most important of which was carried out during the reign of Isabel II by the architect Narciso Pascual Colomer between 1848 and 1859. Colomer’s restoration added new elements, such as neo-Gothic towers, which, although controversial, have defined the current appearance of the church. In addition, the staircase overlooking the street was built in 1906 for the wedding of King Alfonso XIII, providing a more majestic access to the temple.
The church of Los Jerónimos has maintained a close relationship with Spanish royalty throughout its history. For centuries it was the place chosen for the investiture of the Princes of Asturias, and in 1528 Philip II was invested here. In addition, the investiture mass of King Juan Carlos I was celebrated in this temple. The church has a rich artistic heritage that includes sculptures by Benlliure, the 18th-century Christ of the Good Death by Juan Pascual de Mena, and paintings by Vincenzo Carducci and José Méndez. Inside, stained glass windows and neo-Gothic chandeliers add a touch of splendor to the sacred space. Despite the devastation suffered during the Napoleonic occupation and the expulsion of the monks in 1808, the church has stood the test of time, adapting to new roles, such as its current function as a parish church. The Baroque cloister, designed by Lorenzo de San Nicolás, has been restored and is now part of the Prado Museum, known as the Moneo Cube, designed by Rafael Moneo in 2007. This restoration and conservation process underscores the importance of the church as an enduring symbol of Madrid’s historical and cultural heritage
- Address
C. de Moreto, 4, Retiro, 28014 Madrid
- Web
https://www.parroquiasanjeronimoelreal.es/ - Visiting Hours
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. - What to see
Stained-glass windows, Sculptures and paintings, Christ of the Good Death
