Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

Founded in the 16th century and housed in a Renaissance-style royal palace, the Convent of the Barefoot Royals amassed great riches over the years from the dowries of the Spanish noblewomen who were once cloistered here. Today the church and museum (now administered by the Spanish state with permission from the Pope) displays an impressive wealth of paintings, frescoes, statues, tapestries and religious artifacts, such as Saint Sebastian's bones. The richly decorated palace is a must-see on any Madrid itinerary and is conveniently located near the Puerta de Sol. Though no longer of noble extraction, the convent still houses a few nuns.