Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida Madrid

A Masterpiece

Catherine from Madrid

"St. Anthony of Padua is one of Madrid’s finest examples of Neoclassical art. The interior is austere, but its ceiling is where the magic lies."

I’ve always appreciated the art of Francisco Goya. His prints are astonishing and his 3rd of May took my breath away the first time I saw it in the Prado Museum. However, I have always struggled to get really excited over Goya, and unlike others, his works are some that I don’t always feel the need to see over and over again. That is until I discovered the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida.

This small church is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua and is one of Madrid’s finest examples of Neoclassical art. The interior is austere, but its ceiling is where the magic lies. Painted by Goya at the end of the 18th Century, these frescoes depict the miracles of St. Anthony, surrounded by ethereal scenes of angels and cherubs intertwined among lush fabric and fluffy clouds.

Expecting to see Goya’s typical dark subject matter and colours to match, I was surprised to enter a place full of light. Until I examined the faces of the figures, it was not a Goya I immediately recognized, as it is so different from his typical work. His heavy use of white and airy brush strokes evoke feelings of peace and joy.

Since 1919, this has been Goya's resting place. There is a simple gravestone with his name when you enter the church. The Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida is a gorgeous place I never tire of visiting and a quiet reprieve from the busy city that surrounds it.

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Madrid Spotter Catherine

About me I am from beautiful Vancouver, Canada, but am now an English teacher in Spain. I have been a passionate solo traveler for nearly two decades and love everything food, art, and travel related. I also enjoy photography and writing about my travels. Nothing brings me more joy than to wander around a new city meeting people and embracing the local culture. It has brought so much to my life to step out of my comfort zone and experience all of the wonderful things the world has to offer. I have traveled throughout North America, Europe, and parts of the Middle East and there are still...

About this spot

Glorieta San Antonio de la Florida, 5

€

free

Website

915420722

Sep 20, 2025

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