San Antonio de los Alemanes

This is one of Madrids most dazzling artistic treasures. The temple at Calle Puebla, 22, is a great unknown for many Madrilenians. Inside you can admire the impressive paintings by Rizi, Carreño de Miranda and Luca Giordano. Particularly striking is the dome with its Apotheosis of Saint Anthony.

The church, which dates back to the 17th century, was founded as the church of San Antonio de los Portugueses. It is one of the three Spanish churches with an oval floor plan. The exterior, frankly nondescript, does not allow us to guess the beauty of the interior.

The temple can be visited as a museum outside the hours of religious services. There is a symbolic entrance fee.

Text and photos by Antonio Castro Jiménez, Chronicler of the Villa de Madrid.