This huge, multi-tiered church of San Francisco el Grande between Puerta de Toledo and the Palacio Real is difficult to miss. A monastery on the site, reputedly founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, was knocked down in 1760; in its place, between 1761 and 1784 Francisco Cabezas and later Francesco Sabatini built this neo-classical church. Most challenging was the construction of the spectacular dome, with a diameter of 33m (108ft). The dome has recently been restored, but work on the rest of the basilica is expected to go on for several more years, so expect some parts to be covered with scaffolding. Inside there is an early Goya, The Sermon of San Bernardino of Siena (1781), and several frescoes by other artists.
Address Plaza de San Francisco
Transport Metro La Latina .
Telephone 91 365 38 00
Open Oct-June 11am-12.30pm, 4-6.30pm Tue-Sat. July-Sept 11am-12.30pm, 5-7.30pm Tue-Sat. Last admission half hr before closing.
Admission (guided tour only) €3; €2 concessions
