Madres Mercedarias de Don Juan de Alarcón Convent

Located in the district of Malasaña, this convent was founded in 1609 by Father Juan Pacheco de Alarcón, from whom it takes its name. There is evidence of construction of the building from 1656, the church was completed in 1671, and was renovated by the architect Gaspar de la Peña. The temple is home to the remains of the Blessed Mariana of Jesus, co-patron of Madrid, which is opened to the public every 17th April. In 2014, the Community of Madrid declared it a Site of Cultural Interest in the Monument category.

The church is a fine example of Madrid Baroque architecture of the seventeenth century. The main façade, which faces calle de la Puebla, follows the model created by Fray Alberto de la Madre de Dios in the also Madrid-born Real Monasterio de la Encarnación, but simplifying the composition and substituting cheaper stone brick. The façade is very simple and is decorated with an image of the head of the convent and heraldic motifs.

Inside the church stands the the main altar, with a large painting by Juan de Toledo. This is a very characteristic motley composition of courtly baroque of the seventeenth century, and also valuable for being one of the very few works that remain from this artist. By this same artist are the canvases of San Pedro Nolasco and San Antonio de Padua which occupy the bank of the altarpiece and the left side of the altar.

On the opposite side of the altar the large Sueño de San José by Juan Montero de Roja. It also has San Antonio Abad by Antonio Arias, completing a substantial collection of Baroque paintings in Madrid. The church also houses the uncorrupted body of the Blessed Mariana of Jesus, the capital’s co-patron, which is on display to the public every 17th April.