How to visit and what to see in the Capilla del Obispo (Madrid): schedules, prices

One of the hidden artistic corners in Madrid is the rehabilitated one Bishop's Chapel, of whose existence the majority of Madrid residents themselves are not aware.

It is a architectural gem of the 16th century gothic, which has been declared Historic Artistic Monument y A Cultural.

You should know that this outstanding and very little-known heritage corner of Madrid has been closed for more than 30 years during which a profound renovation was carried out.

Where is the Bishop's Chapel in Madrid

Open to worship and public visits since 2012, the Bishop's Chapel you find it in the very central straw square de Madrid, behind the church of San Andrés, with which it makes up the monumental complex of San Andrés.

Curiosities of its history

In medieval times this area was a neighborhood mozarabic which housed the 11th century archaeological remains of the original church of San Andréswhere he was buried Saint Isidro, Patron of Madrid.

After Reconquest, the second wall of Madrid was built, the Christian wall, and this neighborhood became an area of ​​palaces.

It was in the 16th century when Francisco de Vargas y Medina, deprived of the Catholic kings, decided to build a funerary chapel dedicated to San Isidro.

This building was added to the church of San Andrés, and how his son finally finished it Gutierre de Vargas y Carvajal, bishop of Palencia, became known as the Bishop's Chapel.

During the 19th century, the Bishop's Chapel became the property of the House of Alba, and thanks to its discreet façade and being closed, during the Civil War It was saved from being destroyed, as happened to the neighboring church of San Andrés.

Finally, in 1980. , House of Alba gave in to the Diocese of Madrid the property of the Bishop's Chapel, with the only requirement that it be opened to worship.

Now, after reforms that have lasted 30 years, the Bishop's Chapel in Madrid Not only can it be visited by the public, but it houses a French congregation of nuns.

What to see when visiting the Bishop's Chapel

Although at certain times it had direct access from the church of San Andrés, this chapel has its own façade, which is the one you now see on the straw square. and where you will start your visit.

the Little Sisters of the Lamb, celebrated in the same mass every day.

De plateresque style, typical of the 16th century, it will seem more like the entrance to a palace than the access to a religious building.

After passing through its original oak wood doors, you arrive at a small cloister, which has a distribution function, and is the interior connection with the church of San Andrés since this and the Bishop's Chapel They were separated with a wall.

La Bishop's Chapel It was built between 1520 and 1525, and when the arch that joined it with the church of San Andrés, the area where San Isidro It was accessible from both sides.

You can now see this when the archaeological remains through a glass window located on the floor.

By accessing the interior of the Bishop's Chapel will catch your attention Gothic style of the restored roof.

By accessing the interior of the Bishop's Chapel will catch your attention Gothic style of the restored roof.

There are two elements that will impress you the most: the spectacular wooden altarpiece finished with gold leaf, and the impressive alabaster tomb of the bishop Gutierre de Vargas y Carvajal.

The spectacularity and artistic beauty of both elements will force you to take a long visual review of each of them.

You can also see two minor altarpieces and the graves de Francisco de Vargas and Ines de Carvajal, all of them made by the Renaissance sculptor Francisco Giralte.

Schedules and prices to visit the Bishop's Chapel

This very little-known monument in Madrid can only be visited on very specific days, and always in guided tours.

In particular, the Visiting hours of the Bishop's Chapel consist of every Tuesday in three successive shifts, at 10, 10,45 and 11,30 am.

In addition, you can also visit the Thursday afternoon in two shifts, at 16 and 16,45:XNUMX p.m.

These visits are made in groups with a maximum of 20 people, and to participate in them, you must reserve in advance by email (reservacapilladelobispo@archimadrid.es), at least one day before the date of your visit.

Bishop Chapel ticket prices

El price of admission To visit this corner of Madrid it is 4 euros, and to buy them, you must write to the email indicated above.

If these days and times are difficult for you to visit, you have another option to access the monument and see it on your own.

Mass and liturgical schedules

Half an hour before hours of masses and liturgical services in the Bishop's Chapel  that take place there every day, you can go in and see it.

During the masses You cannot make any tourist visits, but you can see it maintaining the logical climate of silence and respect.

I tell you that if you are fond of photography, you can take photos during the tourist visit, yes, without using a flash.

Map: how to get to the Bishop's Chapel

El access to the Bishop's Chapel you find it in the straw square Madrid.