During the reign of King Phillip III at the beginning of the 17th Century, the spectacular Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes was built. At the time, this small church and its adjoining hospital were given to Portuguese pilgrims and patients and given the name San Antonio de los Portugueses.
In 1640, Portugal gained independence from Spain and the church closed its doors to the Portuguese people. This beautiful place lay empty until 1689 when Queen Mariana of Austria handed it to the German Catholics who came to Madrid, thus giving it the name that we know today.
Dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, this elliptical Baroque church is unique in that it is completely frescoed from top to bottom. Several architects were part of the construction, while Francisco Ricci and court painter, Luca Giordano were responsible for the gorgeous interior. The images on the dome and walls reflect the life of St. Anthony and tell different stories from his life. Of course, because of their commissions, there are also medallions of Spanish kings and queens that can be seen around the church.
Since 1615, San Antonio de los Alemanes has been the home of La Hermandad del Refugio, an association that helps those in need through meals and donations. Why not help them out by booking a guided tour or attending a classical music concert? While Spain has plenty of stunning churches, San Antonio de los Alemanes is probably one of the most breathtaking, and a visit here is a must.
Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.
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This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!
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Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
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The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
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I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
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What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
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They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...
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"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
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Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...
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VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
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Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
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His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
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243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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