Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida |
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| Native name Spanish: Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Governing body | City Council of Madrid |
| Owner | Patrimonio Nacional |
| Official name: Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1905 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000088 |
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The Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida (which in Spanish is Real Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida) is a beautiful old chapel in the center of Madrid, Spain. It's famous for its amazing paintings on the ceiling and dome. These paintings were created by a very famous Spanish artist named Francisco Goya. This chapel is also where Goya was buried after he passed away.
A Look Back: The Chapel's Story
The chapel we see today was built where two older chapels used to stand. These earlier chapels were part of a farm called La Florida.
The current chapel was built between 1792 and 1798. King Carlos IV of Spain ordered it to be built, and an architect named Felipe Fontana designed it. King Carlos IV also asked Goya to paint the wonderful pictures inside. Goya had help from his assistant, Asensio Juliá.
In 1905, the chapel was recognized as a special national monument in Spain. This means it's an important historical building. In 1919, Goya's remains were brought here from Bordeaux, France, where he had died in 1828.
There's a famous story about Goya's remains: his skull was missing! The Spanish consul told his bosses in Madrid, who quickly replied, "Send Goya, with or without head." So, his body was moved to the chapel.
In 1928, an identical chapel was built right next to the original one. This was done so the first chapel could become a museum. Goya's remains were then moved again to the new, identical chapel.
Every year on June 13, the chapel becomes a lively place. Many young women who are not yet married come to pray to Saint Anthony. They ask him for help in finding a partner.
The Amazing Frescoes
The beautiful paintings inside the chapel are called frescoes. Goya finished these amazing artworks in just six months during 1798.
The frescoes show miracles performed by Saint Anthony of Padua. On the main dome of the chapel, Goya painted Saint Anthony bringing a man back to life. This miracle helped clear the man's father, who had been wrongly accused of murder.
Instead of showing the scene happening in the 1200s in Lisbon, Portugal, Goya painted the miracle as if it were happening in Madrid during his own time. This makes the artwork feel very real and close to home.
See also
In Spanish: Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- List of oldest church buildings
