Basílica de San Francisco el Grande, Madrid
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In 1760, King Carlos III built the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande (Basilica of St. Francis the Great) on the site of a Franciscan convent that was allegedly founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1217.
The basilica's dome, 108 feet in diameter, is the largest in Spain, even larger than that of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
The seven main doors were carved of American walnut by Casa Juan Guas.
Three chapels adjoin the circular church, the most famous being that of San Bernardino de Siena, which contains a Goya masterpiece depicting a preaching San Bernardino. The figure standing on the right, not looking up, is a self-portrait of Goya.
The 16th-century Gothic choir stalls came from La Cartuja del Paular, in rural Segovia province.
Quick Facts
| Address: | Pl. de San Francisco, Madrid, Spain |
| Phone: | 91/365-3400 |
| Hours: | Tues.-Fri. 11-12:30 and 4-6:30, Sat. 11-12 |
| Cost: | €3; includes guided tour |
Sources
Travel Resources
- Madrid City Maps - Sacred Destinations
- Madrid Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Madrid Day Tours - Viator
- Madrid Car Rentals - AutoEurope
- Madrid Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
