Moncloa & Arguelles – Local tips (art & culture)

This impressive building is considered of the “Madrileña” architectural style (this is of note only because so many historical buildings here are Gothic, Romanesque, etc…). Its use has changed over the years, from a military academy to an astrological observatory and now it houses cultural studies and presentations.

In the summer there are concerts and festivals in the two inner courtyards, but there are always exhibits and activities in the various installation rooms. You have to buy tickets for the concerts, but the rest of the activities are usually free. I especially like the contemporary art collection which has some lesser-known Spanish artists. Sometimes if the concerts are loud, you can hear the music from the street and have a drink on nearby Calle Cristo (see Calle Cristo article).

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Conde Duque Cultural Center | Art & culture | Free
Calle Conde Duque 11 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915885834
Tue – Sat 10:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 – 21:00, Sun 10:30 – 14:30

In comparison with Goya’s bizarre dark paintings and prints, the restored luminous fresco ceilings at the Ermita de San Antonio seem bright and cheerful. But there is a dark “Goya-esque” side to these renditions of Saint Anthony’s miracles. Goya added a bit of street life – grungy stone workers, prostitutes, dogs, kids playing, etc! Luckily, King Carlos IV approved it when it was completed in 1798, and the chapel has since become known as Goya’s masterpiece. His tomb is noted by a marble slab at the altar, while most of your attention is directed upwards to the ceiling via mirrors so you don’t hurt your neck.

Saint Anthony is considered the go-to saint for marriage set-ups, so on his saint day, June 13th, the single ladies flock to the Ermita. Next door is a replica of the chapel that is still used for religious services. If you’re hungry, go next door to Casa Mingo (check the Casa Mingo article).

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Ermita de San Antonio | Art & culture | Free
Paseo de La Florida 2 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915420722
Tue – Fri 09:30 – 20:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 14:00