Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida

Overview

This small neoclassical chapel on the banks of the Manzanares River contains one of the most breathtaking ceiling frescoes in Spain—painted entirely by Francisco de Goya in 1798. It also serves as Goya's final resting place.

Highlights

• Goya's Dome Fresco: The entire dome depicts the Miracle of St. Anthony of Padua, with Madrid's common people—beggars, prostitutes, majas—watching from a painted balustrade rather than saints or angels.
• Revolutionary Technique: Goya applied paint with sponges, rags, and even his fingers, achieving an astonishingly modern, almost Impressionistic quality two centuries before Impressionism.
• Goya's Tomb: The artist's remains were transferred here from Bordeaux in 1919—minus his head, which was never recovered.

History

Built in 1792–1798 by order of Charles IV, Goya was commissioned to decorate the interior. He completed the stunning dome frescoes in just four months. Since 1928, a duplicate chapel next door hosts actual religious services to preserve the original frescoes from incense and candle damage.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: Always free. The small chapel takes about 15–20 minutes to absorb.
• Look Up: Bring binoculars or a zoom lens—the dome details reward close examination.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.