Jeronimos Church
In the XV century, the Catholic Monarchs ordered the construction of a convent for the jeronimos monks. It should also
house the royal family whenever they came to Madrid.
The convent was built in gothic style with Renaissance influence.
In the XVI century Felipe II enlarged the convent with the royal rooms. This was the reason why the Palacio del Buen Retiro was later on built in this area, in Retiro Park. Nowadays the only remains of this palace are the Cason del Buen Retiro and the former Museum of the Army. Both buildings belong currently to the Prado Museum.
In the XIX century, during the napoleonic invasion the convent was seriously damaged. When Fernando VII returned to Spain he turned the convent into the artillery headquarter.
Many years later, Isabel II´s husband, Francisco de Asis, insisted in reestablishing the building as a church. All these events have changed the original design of the buildings which now presents a mixture of different styles.
Before the Almudena Cathedral was built,the Jeronimos´Curch was the official royal church. That is why from the Royal Palace, along calle Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Carrera de San Jeronimo we can go directly to it.
The enlargement of the Prado Museum has changed its surroundings. Now the cloister of the convent is part of the museum following Moneo´s design. It is a fantastic building combining modern and classic styles.