King’s Monasterio de Santa Isabel

Gazing upon the King’s Monasterio de Santa Isabel, one can almost hear whispers of royal patronage and monastic devotion. The King’s Monasterio de Santa Isabel stands as a testament to the intertwined destinies of royalty and religion. It’s located on Calle de Santa Isabel, near Atocha Street in Madrid. The King’s Monasterio de Santa Isabel has a fascinating history. It actually represents two combined foundations. One, a girls’ school called Casa del Recogimiento de Santa Isabel. It was established in Alcalá de Henares in 1595 by Isabella Clara Eugenia, daughter of King Philip II of Spain. The other, a convent of cloistered Augustinian Recollect nuns, founded in 1589 by Friar Alonso de Orozco. Initially, the monastery was situated on Calle del Príncipe. It was housed in the residence of Prudencia Grillo, a wealthy widow instrumental in its founding. The move to its current location on Calle de Atocha was orchestrated by Margaret of Austria, wife of Philip III. In 1610, she established the Royal Patronage and granted the nuns the “Casilla.” This had been a country palace of Philip II’s secretary, Antonio Pérez. Parts of this building are still visible in the existing cloister. Interestingly, the King’s Monasterio de Santa Isabel lent its name to the nearby Santa Isabel Tapestry Factory, immortalized by Velázquez in his painting “Las Hilanderas.” This connection to art and royalty further enriches the tapestry of stories woven into the very fabric of the King’s Monasterio de Santa Isabel.