Basilica of Saint Francis the Great (Madrid)
The Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is located in the historic centre of Madrid. It is a Neoclassical-style temple built in the mid-18th century with the third largest dome of all Christian temples in the world. This makes it of great interest among academics, students and tourists.
The basilica, with a central and circular plan, is part of the enormous Franciscan convent of Jesus and Mary dating back to the 13th century. Francisco Cabezas is credited with the original design, while Antonio Pló and Francesco Sabatini developed and completed it.
It was built with rendered brick and granite ashlars, which were used largely in its main façade. It has a main chapel located in the apse that leads the entire complex and a splendid vestibule; these elements not only form an important part of the architectural design but also provide consistency to the impressive dome.
In addition to the dome, 33 meters in diameter and 58 meters in height and surrounded by six small domes, the basilica stands out for its spectacular decor, which dates back to the 19th century. It also has an art gallery containing the most representative Spanish paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, with works by Goya and Zurbarán.
Due to its architectural and artistic wealth, as well as its enormous heritage value, the Basilica of Saint Francis the Great was declared a National Monument and Asset of Cultural Interest in October 1980.
The basilica, with a central and circular plan, is part of the enormous Franciscan convent of Jesus and Mary dating back to the 13th century. Francisco Cabezas is credited with the original design, while Antonio Pló and Francesco Sabatini developed and completed it.
It was built with rendered brick and granite ashlars, which were used largely in its main façade. It has a main chapel located in the apse that leads the entire complex and a splendid vestibule; these elements not only form an important part of the architectural design but also provide consistency to the impressive dome.
In addition to the dome, 33 meters in diameter and 58 meters in height and surrounded by six small domes, the basilica stands out for its spectacular decor, which dates back to the 19th century. It also has an art gallery containing the most representative Spanish paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, with works by Goya and Zurbarán.
Due to its architectural and artistic wealth, as well as its enormous heritage value, the Basilica of Saint Francis the Great was declared a National Monument and Asset of Cultural Interest in October 1980.
Location
Religious Buildings in Madrid
Civil Buildings in Madrid
Museums in Madrid
