Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great image

Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark Catholic church Church Cathedral Basilica

One of the Top rated Historical landmarks in Madrid


Address

C. San Buenaventura, 1, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Website

www.esmadrid.com

Contact

+34 913 65 38 00

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (6.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (18) dome (15) free (12) worth (12) Madrid (12) visit (12) largest (11) beautiful (10) Basilica (9) tour (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 M P. 10 months ago on Google • 299 reviews
    We went on a Thursday evening it turns out that it was a free admission night. One of the largest domes in the world, the Basilica is imposing, beautiful, something in every corner to see. No matter how many cathedrals you have visited you will be impressed by this one.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Duncan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite simply the most beautiful basillica/church I have been in. Every inch of the walls ,side chapels and ceiling is covered in exquisite paintings. The whole effect is breathtaking. The dome is the largest in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe and is wonderfully decorated. The Sacristi is full of paintings by renowned Spanish masters. All for 4€ ...3 if you are a pensioner. More worth visiting in my view than the Cathedral,which is itself something anyone visiting Madrid should not fail to enjoy.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed F. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing space. And works by famous artists. The tour is extensive - taking you places that would have been off-limits before (like the sacristy) I’ve gone twice. Once for the self-guided walking tour and once to spend time just in the main church / nave with all the art
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gioconda V. 2 years ago on Google
    I was leaving town when i get to visit the Basilica very briefly. Unfortunately, i couldn't take the Guided Tour because of the time limitations, i had to go to the airport. However, It looked beautiful in the inside. I will definitely come back for the tour or if i have time for the mass which is daily at 8:30 am and 10 am but i highly recommend to check with them first. This is a Catholic Basilica 🙏💗
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandeep K. 1 year ago on Google
    Really beautiful church in Madrid. The painting on the walls and ceilings are really magnificent!! Lovely architecture, its a must see.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott H. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth a visit, especially since it's free. Photography is not allowed inside. Check to make sure there is no service when you plan to visit
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kent W. 2 years ago on Google
    Neoclassical and baroque, 1784. Impressive interior. Small entry fee. Double check website for current hours as it may vary based on the season
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carol M. 6 months ago on Google • 155 reviews
    A must see in Madrid. This is the older basilica and the dome is magnificent. It has been compared to the Sistine chapel. Several steps up to get in and then level. Small fee to enter..well worth it!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yuezhe L. 4 months ago on Google • 218 reviews
    Photos do not do this place justice. The fresco on the ceiling is so astonishing and so beautiful people need to appreciate it with their own eyes. Besides, there are also some art collections in the basilica. It’s a must-see in Madrid.

  • 5/5 snarkyguy 2 months ago on Google • 210 reviews New
    Thursday is free entry day! Actually it’s worth the price of admission even if you had to pay. It’s simply gorgeous inside. This is the 4th tallest cathedral dome in Europe! They had music playing and the atmosphere was almost magical. Totally worth going.

  • 5/5 Mo Iggy L. 5 years ago on Google
    Went there in August 2018 and was fascinated by the artwork we were greeted with inside the Basilica. You can enter at €5 and there will be a guide that will explain the major artwork (in Spanish only). Try to locate him when you enter as he will be switching on the lights to the apse, main altar, side altar and art collection behind the vestry.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dmitriy K. 2 years ago on Google
    No words to say, just emotions! This is worth seeing The entry is free.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Milton S. 9 months ago on Google
    Simple dome structure with a wide circular temple. It has the twelve apostles spread across the room in a circle. Beatiful shrines along the sides. The dome is just exquisite. The third largest dome of the Catholic Church. Breathtaking. Totally worth the visit! Fantastic craftsmanship and detail in the gorgeous painted ceiling.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mat 1. 6 years ago on Google
    This church has one of the largest domes in the world, I think it's a must in Madrid. It has a lot of frescoes and also one of the most famous masterpiece of Goya. You can see this building in the morning for free or join a guided tour in the afternoon for 3 euros.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carlos D. 3 months ago on Google • 87 reviews New
    Encantadorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr una para villa y una de las 4 más grande del mundo le recomiendo que la puedan visitar lo jueves que es gratis la entrada A charming villa and one of the 4 largest in the world. I recommend that you visit it on Thursdays, when admission is free. Charmingrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr one for a villa and one of the 4 largest in the world I recommend that you visit it on Thursdays when entry is free A charming villa and one of the 4 largest in the world. I recommend that you visit it on Thursdays, when admission is free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke 5 months ago on Google • 142 reviews
    Very busy tourist spot, right next to the Royal Palace, small fee to enter and no entry during mass. Historic and beautiful tourist destination!

  • 5/5 Shachar P. 1 year ago on Google
    Basilica with enormous dome and a chapel painted by Goya. Interestingly, The beginning of the church was in 1214, when pilgrims made their home in the area. Unfortunately entrance isn't free, about 3-5 euros
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fanni V. 2 years ago on Google
    No words needed. It’s breathtaking
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Archil P. 8 months ago on Google
    Magnificent church in Madrid- definitely must-visit. Beautiful art and design.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Burak D. 5 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    4th biggest basilica of the europe. Must see place of madrid

  • 5/5 Wesley V. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunning church. 100% worth a visit when you’re in Madrid. Entry fee 5 euros , students and elderly 3 euros

  • 5/5 Mya Z. 10 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Gorgeous, breathtaking basilica to rival those in Rome. You can tell how much care has been put into the upkeep of the church. Entry was only 5€ , but that didn't include a guided tour. Well worth it.

  • 4/5 Cyntia P. 11 months ago on Google
    This Basilica is located in Palace neighborhood, just few blocks away from the Royal Palace. There is a nice rose garden with a view just next to the Basilica. It's a nice spot to stop by while strolling around Madrid.

  • 5/5 Elaine S. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful church with painted ceilings, alcoves statues of saints, Christian themed paintings and beautiful organ music playing. Highly recommended as a quick free outing if you are in Madrid

  • 4/5 Kate B. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely worth going in if the doors are open. There's a Goya painting and lots of other lovely little chapels. The guy at the door was super friendly.

  • 5/5 Bruno Grego S. 1 year ago on Google
    Although I do not endorse fixed fees for entrance in Catholic temples, at least the visit to the site and the garden is mandatory. Also, do not miss the crypt, with a free entrance!

  • 2/5 Derek M. 6 months ago on Google
    They charge you €5 to enter, which I don't mind, these old churches are expensive to maintain.. but the ticket clerk is rude. Was waiting in line to buy a ticket and the door happened to open so I was a bit curious and took a glance. Only got a quick peak at the inside until I was screamed at by the clerk. Decided to spend my money elsewhere if that is how they are going to treat paying visitors. Spain has no shortage of old churches. Also, not sure what they are doing with the money. The outside is covered in graffiti, which seems like it should be a priority to remove...

  • 5/5 Vienna 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church, exquisite murals, amazing dome. Absolutely a top place for visitors.

  • 5/5 Tony M. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm really glad I visited this place on an unplanned detour. The outside of the cathedral is Franciscan and plain, but interior is incredibly beautiful, almost baroque in style. I joined an impromptu guided tour which comes with the ticket. The guide was very passionate, knowledgeable, and actually really funny. It's five euros really well spent and I'd recommend anyone who enjoys culture to pay this place a visit. The tour takes about 90 minutes so plan accordingly.

  • 5/5 Manuel M. 2 years ago on Google
    A very beautiful surprise with one of the biggest cupola of the world

  • 5/5 Marko R. 2 years ago on Google
    The third cupola of the Christianity in the centre of Madrid. It's definitely worth a visit, more than the Almudena's cathedral.

  • 5/5 Matthew B. 5 years ago on Google
    There have been a handful of works of art that have moved me to tears. Upon entering this basilica, I was amazed at the beauty, the detail, and the energy that was put into its creation. Wow!

  • 5/5 Heather Harrison (Purple T. 5 years ago on Google
    Great value guided tour (only in Spanish but still interesting if you can only follow the key points) is all the amazing paintings in this incredible and somewhat overlooked church. 5€

  • 5/5 Alex M. 2 years ago on Google
    Best guided tour we've booked this vacation. Very knowledgeable and charismatic gentleman. Superb church

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    Simply amazing. Third largest dome in Chistiandom. I wonder if they include Aghia Sofia?

  • 5/5 Michael U. 2 years ago on Google
    From its detailed dome to an art collection including Goya Madrid's Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande is a sight to behold. Built from 1776 to 1784 and declared a National Monument in 1980 the Church stands out amongst the Latin Quarter with multiple floors and chapels each surrounding the grave of St. Francis of Assisi.

  • 4/5 Joseph S. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing structure with a massive dome. The ticket collector was very helpful and informed us where to go for the best pictures and explained on how to get to some of the lesser noticed points on a beautiful church.

  • 4/5 Yolanda S. 2 years ago on Google
    Didn't go inside but loved the front of yhe building

  • 5/5 Chloe E. 1 year ago on Google
    A must see in Madrid. Beautiful interior with stunning painted dome. We walked in early morning without charge, had a look around and left. There weren't many people around. It did ask for masks and no pictures.

  • 5/5 Gabriel T. 2 years ago on Google
    A true work of art. The museum is charming but the star is the masterful work done inside the basilica.

  • 5/5 Klemen M. 2 years ago on Google
    Woodwork is spectacular. Don't think, just go. I'm not a church fan git stayed here for two hours. Incrrdible.!

  • 5/5 Ricardo �. 2 years ago on Google
    I don’t have pictures because you are not allowed, but this church is one of the greatest in Madrid, better than Almudena. It’s free and the dome it’s incredible, it should be a must for everyone that visits Madrid. Also, close to the church, there is a park where you can see incredible sunsets. A must!!!!

  • 4/5 František F. 2 years ago on Google
    Was not open to see from inside.

  • 5/5 Jerry Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Truly awe inspiring structure, with frescos and paintings inside. No photos allowed inside but worth checking out for 5 euro.

  • 5/5 Dimitri G. 2 years ago on Google
    This neoclassical style monumental basilica, close to the popular La Latina quarter, stands out for its artistic wealth that it houses inside, with canvases by Goya or Zurbarán, as well as its impressive dome, the largest in Spain and the fourth in Europe, behind Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon, both in Rome, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, in Florence.

  • 5/5 Charyfe's v. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this church, no entrance fee given that it was the largest dome in spain and fourth in Europe.

  • 5/5 Juan Jose A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful interior. A nice church to visit


Call +34 913 65 38 00 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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