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Real Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

1 Calle San Buenaventura, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid

Description

The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is a Roman Catholic Church built in the Neoclassic style in the second half of the 18th century. Its dome is 33m in diameter, making it the fourth largest in Europe and there are a total of seven chapels. The church is famous for its paintings and frescoes by renowned artists Goya, Zurbarán or Casto Plasencia.

Access & Transport

Address: C. San Buenaventura, 1, 28005 Madrid The closest metro stations are Puerta de Toledo (L5) and La Latina (5), 600m and 700m away respectively. Bus 002, 3, 17, 18, 23, 35, 41, 60, 148 also stop nearby

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend combining a visit to this church with an exploration of the La Latina neighbourhood, the San Isidro Museum and a trip to the Cebada or El Rastro markets.

Meta review

The basilica gets good comments in guidebooks as well as online reviews. Visitors particularly enjoy the magnificent ceilings with extensive paintings as well as the multitude of decorative architectural features. There is a small percentage of reviewers however who find it nice but not exceptional by European standards.

Environmental & Social

The running environmental footprint is low and it helps preserve the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great deserves a visit for tourists in the area and those really keen on religious art. Its facade is a defining feature of the Latina / Palacio neighbourhood skyline and the decorative art inside is genuinely attractive and well executed.

Key positive

Colourful and high-quality religious paintings and frescoes

Key negative

Narrow opening times

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but expect younger children not to be interested in spending time inside. The ground floor of the Cathedral appears to be accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Ticket office and access to the church close 30 minutes before closing time

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:30 - 12:30

WEDNESDAY10:30 - 12:30

THURSDAY10:30 - 12:30

FRIDAY10:30 - 12:30

SATURDAY10:30 - 12:30

SUNDAY -

Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY16:00 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY16:00 - 17:30

THURSDAY16:00 - 17:30

FRIDAY16:00 - 17:30

SATURDAY16:00 - 17:30

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€5
Adult
18 - 64
€5
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Student price is €3. Free entrance on Saturdays. Open for worship on Sundays

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