Convent of Las Descalzas Reales (Valladolid)

Convent of Las Descalzas Reales
File:Valladolid - Convento de la Descalzas Reales 002.jpg
Location	Valladolid, Spain
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Founded	1550
Architecture
Heritage designation	National Monument
Designated	1974
Architect(s)	Francisco de Mora
Architectural type	Classical Baroque
Administration
Diocese	Valladolid

The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales de Valladolid is a monastery in Valladolid in Spain. Literally the Monastery of the Barefoot Royals, the name refers to the practice of the usage of the Colettine branch of the Order of St. Clare to be barefoot while within the cloister. This monastery is to be distinguished from a similarly named one in Madrid of the same Order (see Convent of Las Descalzas Reales).

The monastery was originally established in Villalcázar de Sirga in 1550 and was dedicated to Our Lady of Pity. It has been based in Valladolid since 1552, when the community moved to its permanent home, and its dedication was changed to Our Lady of the Assumption by order of King Philip III of Spain, who also initiated a rebuilding program.

The monastery occupies a spacious site in the city, between calle de Ramón y Cajal (in front of the Chancillería), at the corner of calle de San Martín and calle del Prado. Its present building is in 17th-century neo-classical style to designs by Francisco de Mora.

Conservation

The complex, which still survives, consists of a church, a cloister, a courtyard, outbuildings and a garden. In 2007 it was home to 13 Colettine Poor Clares, financed by an industrial laundry within the monastery. It has been a National Monument since 1974.

External links

Media related to at Wikimedia Commons