Madrid Churches & Cookies made by the nuns
Join us on a unique walking tour through the heart of Madrid to discover some of the city's most magnificent and historic churches. From hidden convents to grand basilicas, this journey blends art, architecture, and sacred tradition. You'll learn the stories behind stunning Baroque masterpieces, admire breathtaking frescoes, and even get a taste of convent life with a sweet surprise. Whether you're passionate about history, art, or faith, this tour offers a deeper look into Madrid’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Plaza de la Villa
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Madrid guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Be ready to pay 3,5 EUR (cash or card) as we enter the Basilica de San Francisco.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Join us for a fascinating walking tour through the historic center of Madrid that reveals a side of the city many visitors never see. This experience takes you beyond famous plazas and royal palaces and into some of Madrid’s most beautiful and meaningful churches, where art, history, and everyday traditions come together in surprising ways.
We begin at the Convent of Las Carboneras del Corpus Christi, a quiet and almost hidden place founded in 1607. Inside, you’ll see the oldest altarpiece in Madrid and a remarkable Last Supper painted by Vicente Carducho. You’ll also discover how the cloistered nuns still live today, including the famous wooden “turn” they use to sell their handmade cookies without ever being seen—a small but unforgettable glimpse into centuries-old convent life.
From there, we continue to the stunning Basílica de San Miguel, one of the most elegant churches in the city. Completed in 1745, its Italian Baroque style immediately stands out. Inside, dramatic frescoes by the González Velázquez brothers surround the altar, where Saint Michael Defeating the Devil creates a powerful and theatrical focal point.
Our walk then brings us to the Catedral Castrense, also known as Madrid’s Military Cathedral. Built in 1744, it’s still the setting for many military weddings today. As you enter, you’ll notice an impressive optical illusion painted at the entrance, followed by richly decorated interiors featuring statues, frescoes, and two paintings by the famous Baroque artist Luca Giordano.
We finish the tour at the breathtaking Basílica de San Francisco el Grande, one of Madrid’s true masterpieces. Its enormous dome—one of the largest church domes in the world—creates an unforgettable sense of space and light. Inside, you’ll see a painting by Francisco de Goya, explore beautifully decorated chapels, and visit the sacristy, which holds 52 paintings depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, many of them part of the Prado Museum’s collection.
This tour is perfect if you’re curious about Madrid’s history, love art and architecture, or simply want to experience the city in a more meaningful way. Expect great stories, stunning interiors, and a deeper connection to Madrid’s spiritual and cultural heritage—all at a relaxed pace and with plenty of time to enjoy the details.
Highlights
- 1
Convent of Las Carboneras del Corpus Christi
Founded in 1607, this convent holds the oldest altarpiece in Madrid, a stunning example of Baroque style. We'll admire the famous painting of The Last Supper by Vicente Carducho and witness the traditional “turn” used by the cloistered nuns to discreetly sell their handmade cookies.
- 2
Basílica de San Miguel
One of Madrid’s most beautiful churches, this basilica is a fine example of Italian Baroque architecture, completed in 1745. Inside, you'll see the striking altar with Saint Michael Defeating the Devil by Alejandro Ferrant, along with frescoes by the González Velázquez brothers.
- 3
Catedral Castrense
Also known as the Military Cathedral, this baroque church from 1744 is where many military weddings take place. At the entrance, you'll discover an impressive trompe-l'œil (optical illusion), along with elegant frescoes, statues, and two paintings by Luca Giordano.
- 4
Basílica de San Francisco el Grande
Home to the fourth-largest dome among all churches in the world, this majestic basilica is a true masterpiece. Inside, we’ll see *Saint Bernardino* by Francisco de Goya, visit six unique chapels, and explore the sacristy, which houses 52 paintings depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi—many of which belong to the Prado Museum’s collection.
Map
Plaza de la Villa
