San Francisco el Grande or also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is located in Madrid. Therefore, if you are in the capital area, it is time to make a new stop on your tour, because it is well worth it. It is a neoclassical temple that has much to offer us, in addition to its history.
Since the beauty of his style, where he is starring the dome, always gives a lot to talk about. So, the time has come to break down all that and much more. From its history to the entire building itself that we can visit. Saint Francis the Great was named after Well of Cultural Interest in the 80s.
Where is the Basilica and how to get there
Of course we have mentioned that we could visit it in Madrid, but logically we have to know its location more precisely to reach it without too many detours. Well, it must be said that It is very close to Barrio La Latina, although inside the Palace, in the historic center of the city. The name of this neighborhood is due to the fact that in it we find the Royal Palace, there is also the Palace of the Count of Altamira and that of the Marquis of Grimaldi.
Do you want to get to San Francisco el Grande? Well then you have both bus and metro stations almost next door. If you go in the first one, you have the Vistillas station just a couple of minutes away on foot. Of course, you also have the San Francisco el Grande and Ronda de Segovia stations about 5 or 6 minutes away on foot. If you go by metro, or by train, and arrive at Las Pirámides station, you will only have to walk about 7 minutes.
The story of Saint Francis the Great
In the second half of the XNUMXth century this basilica was built in neoclassical style. Of course, previously, it is said that in the same place there was a convent that had been founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, back in 1217. But in the XNUMXth century it was demolished in order to build a much larger temple. The design was the idea of Francisco Cabezas, who was an architect but also a Franciscan religious. Although he had to leave the project finally.
In this way it went through several hands and several reforms throughout its first years of life. Of course, despite all this process, what continues to attract attention is its wide dome, which is ranked as the third largest. Exceeding in diameter the dome of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or even St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
building structure
It has a circular floor plan, as well as a vestibule and apse. Of course, the great dome has already become clear that it is one of the great protagonists of the entire building. Inside we find about 6 chapels, although the largest is the one that makes up the so-called apse or header. The main facade is oriented to the east, three semicircular arches with Doric columns will predominate. Without forgetting that the Ionic order is also present in the so-called second body, where you will enjoy the windows. Do not forget that this place also has a museum, so its beauty lies not only in its structure but in other works of art such as its 51 paintings. The vast majority belong to both the Spanish and Italian Baroque.
when to visit
You can enter to visit it from Tuesday to Saturday. Both in the morning and in the afternoon, unless there is a religious act that could delay the schedule or suspend it. Of course, a place like this also offers guided tours and they are always highly recommended. Your ticket is priced at 5 euros, although they have reduced prices to 3 euros for both pensioners and groups. Have you already visited it?