The Chapel of San Antonio de la Florida (Real Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida) is a small Neoclassical church by the Manzanares, near Príncipe Pío, whose entire dome and vaults Francisco de Goya painted in fresco in 1798. The painter is buried here: his remains have rested in the chapel since 1919. The building, run by Madrid City Council as a museum, reopened on 12 June 2026 after more than a year of restoration work, with new lighting for the frescoes. Entry is free and needs no booking, which makes it one of the most rewarding visits in Madrid for anyone who loves Goya.
Highlights
The dome painted by Goya
Under the dome, Goya depicts a miracle of Saint Anthony of Padua: the saint raises a dead man so that he can clear his father, who stands accused of murder. Instead of solemn figures, the painter sets a crowd of Madrid people of his day around a trompe-l'œil balustrade, leaning over and chatting. The angels on the vaults and pendentives, with female features, complete a set regarded as a high point of fresco technique.
The Neoclassical chapel
The present building was put up between 1792 and 1798 by the Italian architect Felipe Fontana, on the orders of Charles IV. Its plain façade, topped by a triangular pediment, hides a Greek-cross plan crowned by a dome on pendentives.
The twin chapels
In 1928, to protect the frescoes, an identical church was built right next door so that services could move there. Since then the original chapel has been kept for visitors, and today you see the two almost identical chapels side by side on the square.
Goya's tomb
Goya died in Bordeaux in 1828 and was first buried in France. His remains were brought back to Madrid and have rested in the chapel since 1919, beneath the frescoes he painted: you stand before the painter's grave in the very heart of his work.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Entry is free for everyone, with no booking needed for individual visitors (checked in October 2026). Free guided tours led by volunteers run on Fridays at 12:00 (except public holidays and school holidays), for up to 20 people: sign up at the entrance 15 minutes before the start. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing. Right next door, Casa Mingo, a historic Asturian cider house, is a classic stop for roast chicken and a glass of cider after your visit.
How to get there
Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida, 5, 28008 Madrid. Metro Príncipe Pío (lines 6, 10 and Ramal), then about 10 minutes on foot along Paseo de la Florida. Cercanías trains: Príncipe Pío station. Buses 41, 46 and 75. BiciMAD station no. 161. You can combine the visit with a walk in Madrid Río or the Casa de Campo, both close by.
Opening hours
Nearby
Comments
No comments yet.