Saint Anthony of the Germans Church, Madrid

The Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, in Madrid

The Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, or St Anthony of the Germans, is a hidden baroque jewel of Madrid, with an interior entirely covered with frescoes. The Madrid audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this surprising sanctuary, little-known but dazzling.

The baroque jewel with dazzling frescoes

You may wonder why stop in front of this church which, seen from outside, is far from the finest of Madrid. The reason is hidden inside, and the surprise is total. The Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, founded in the seventeenth century, hides behind its discreet façade one of the most extraordinary baroque interiors of the town. Of oval plan, topped with a dome, it is entirely covered, from the floor to the summit, with magnificent frescoes painted in trompe-l'œil, which cover the walls and the vault with a profusion of colours, feigned architectures and religious scenes. This striking pictorial ensemble, the work of great masters of the era, plunges the visitor into a true setting of painting. Linked to the German community of Madrid, the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes is a hidden treasure that is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the extraordinary baroque interior hidden behind a discreet façade: an oval-plan church entirely covered with magnificent trompe-l'œil frescoes, from the floor to the dome, a profusion of colours, feigned architectures and religious scenes, the work of great masters. The Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes is a hidden treasure of Madrid. It is a surprising stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes lies in the heart of Madrid, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services and appropriate dress; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What is particular about the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes in Madrid?

Behind its discreet façade, this seventeenth-century baroque church, of oval plan, hides an interior entirely covered with magnificent trompe-l'œil frescoes, from the floor to the dome, one of the most extraordinary of Madrid.