San Jerónimo el Real
San Jerónimo el Real is a Roman Catholic church in Madrid, Spain, dating from the early 16th century. Originally part of a Hieronymite monastery, it served as a royal church for centuries, notably for the investiture of the Prince of Asturias. Despite significant damage during the Napoleonic occupation and numerous restorations, it continues to function as a parish church, retaining some original elements and housing notable artworks.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on land granted by Isabella I in 1502.
- ›Served as the church for the investiture of the Prince of Asturias.
- ›Damaged significantly during the Napoleonic French occupation in 1808.
- ›Underwent major restorations in the 19th century, transforming its role.
- ›Features sculptures by Mariano Benlliure Gill and Juan Pascual de Mena.
- ›Its former cloister was dismantled and rebuilt as part of the Prado Museum's expansion.
Isabelline Gothic, Neo-Gothic
- Church For Investiture of the Prince of Asturias
- Sculptures By Mariano Benlliure Gill
- Cristo De La Buena Muerte By Juan Pascual De Mena
- Paintings By Vincenzo Carducci
- Stairway Constructed For the Wedding of King Alfonso Xiii
- Connection To Prado Museum
San JeróNimo El Real
Isabella I of Castile, Henry Iv of Castile, Philip Ii of Spain, Isabel Ii of Spain, Alfonso Xiii, Juan Carlos I, Narciso Pascual Colomer, Enrique MaríA RepulléS, Pontian Ponzano, Lorenzo De San NicoláS, Rafael Moneo, Mariano Benlliure Gill, Juan Pascual De Mena, Vincenzo Carducci, José MéNdez
- Monastery Established On New Site In 1502.
- Investiture of Prince Philip Ii On April 18, 1528.
- Spanish Court Moved To Madrid In 1561.
- Palacio Del Buen Retiro Enlarged.
- Monks Expelled and French Troops Quartered In Monastery In 1808.
- First Major Restoration .
- Second Restoration Transforming It Into A Parish Church .
- Stairway Constructed In 1906 For King Alfonso Xiii's Wedding.
- Cloister Appropriated By the Prado Museum In 2007.
About San Jerónimo el Real
San Jerónimo el Real is a significant Roman Catholic church located in central Madrid, Spain, with origins tracing back to the early 16th century. It stands as the sole surviving structure of the Hieronymite monastery that once adjoined the royal palace of Buen Retiro. Its historical importance is deeply intertwined with the Spanish monarchy, having served for centuries as the church for the investiture ceremonies of the Prince of Asturias, and later hosting events such as the Mass for the investiture of King Juan Carlos I.
History and Royal Connection
The monastery's precursor, Monasterio de Santa María del Paso, was initially situated near Monte de El Pardo. However, due to marshy conditions, Isabella I granted the Hieronymites land in 1502 to construct a new monastery, built in the Isabelline Gothic style. The church was selected for the investiture of Prince Philip II in 1528. When Philip II moved the royal court to Madrid in 1561, his retreat was expanded into the Palacio del Buen Retiro, with a royal bedroom built adjacent to the presbytery, allowing the king to attend Mass from his chambers.
Damage and Restoration
The Palacio del Buen Retiro suffered extensive destruction during the Napoleonic French occupation of Madrid, and in 1808, French troops were quartered in the monastery, causing severe damage that nearly left the church in ruins. The first major restoration occurred between 1848 and 1859 under Narciso Pascual Colomer, who added elements like towers in the Isabelline Gothic style. A subsequent restoration from 1879 to 1883 by Enrique María Repullés repositioned the building as a parish church. While few original external features remain, a 19th-century neo-Gothic remodeling by Pontian Ponzano is noted for its controversial exterior design. A grand stairway facing the street was added in 1906 for the wedding of King Alfonso XIII.
Artistic and Architectural Legacy
The interior of San Jerónimo el Real features notable works including sculptures by Mariano Benlliure Gill and the 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte by Juan Pascual de Mena, alongside paintings by Vincenzo Carducci and José Méndez. The former Baroque cloister, designed by Lorenzo de San Nicolás, fell into disrepair before its land was appropriated by the Prado Museum in 2007. The cloister's facade was dismantled and rebuilt by architect Rafael Moneo as a cubic room, now part of the museum's expansion and known as the Cubo de Moneo.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of San Jerónimo el Real?
San Jerónimo el Real was originally part of a Hieronymite monastery. It served a significant royal function, being the church where members of the royal family were invested with titles, particularly the Prince of Asturias.
What is the historical significance of San Jerónimo el Real to the Spanish monarchy?
The church was historically linked to the Spanish monarchy, serving for centuries as the venue for the investiture of the Prince of Asturias. It also held a Mass for the investiture of King Juan Carlos I.
Has San Jerónimo el Real always been a parish church?
No, San Jerónimo el Real was initially part of a Hieronymite monastery. It was transformed into its current role as a parish church during a restoration between 1879 and 1883.
What happened to the monastery associated with San Jerónimo el Real?
The original Hieronymite monastery was largely destroyed during the Napoleonic occupation. French troops were quartered in the monastery, causing major damage.
Are there any notable artworks or architectural features in San Jerónimo el Real?
The church contains sculptures by Mariano Benlliure Gill and Juan Pascual de Mena's 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte, as well as paintings by Vincenzo Carducci and José Méndez. Some external features remain from its original structure, though it has undergone extensive remodeling.
What is the connection between San Jerónimo el Real and the Prado Museum?
The Baroque cloister of the monastery was located on land that was eventually appropriated by the Prado Museum. The inner courtyard facade was dismantled and rebuilt as a cubic room for the museum's expansion, known as the Cubo de Moneo.
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