Church of Santa Barbara (Convent of the Royal Salesas)

The Church of Santa Bárbara, located in the Justicia neighborhood of Madrid, is an integral part of the former Convent of Las Salesas Reales, an architectural complex founded in 1748 by Queen Bárbara de Braganza, wife of Ferdinand VI of Spain. This complex was conceived as a college-residence for young noblewomen and also as a possible retreat for the queen herself in case of her husband’s death. The French architect François Carlier was initially commissioned for the project, which began with the laying of the first stone on June 26, 1750. However, Carlier left Spain before completing the work and the project was completed by Francisco Moradillo, who introduced some significant changes, including the addition of two bell towers. The construction of the church and the convent was completed in 1758, and the inauguration took place in the presence of the founding queen. The building represents an exceptional example of Baroque architecture with Rococo influences. The main façade of the church, partly designed by the Italian sculptor Olivieri and Alfonso Giraldo, is adorned with sculpted reliefs and features a triple portico with a pediment and towers on the sides. The monumental staircase leading to the main entrance, built in 1930 by Miguel Durán, adds an additional touch of magnificence to the building. The interior of the church is equally sumptuous, characterized by a single nave in the shape of a Latin cross with side chapels and a large dome rising above the crucifix. The interior decorations include splendid marble and walnut wood floors and side altars with columns of green and pink marble. Among the most notable works of art are two large altarpieces, one of which, by the Veronese artist Giambettino Cignaroli, depicts the Holy Family with Saint Isabel and Saint John. The other altarpiece, by the Neapolitan painter Corrado Giaquinto, represents Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, founders of the Visitation Order. One of the most remarkable features of the church is the mausoleum of King Ferdinand VI and Queen Bárbara de Braganza, located respectively on the Epistle side and the Chapel of the Most Holy. These funerary monuments were designed by the architect Francesco Sabatini and made of marble and porphyry by the sculptors Francisco Gutiérrez and Juan de León. The mausoleum of General Leopoldo O’Donnell, located on the Gospel side, was added in 1870 and made of Carrara marble by Jerónimo Suñol. In 1870, with the expulsion of the nuns during the Desamortización, the convent was transformed into the Palace of Justice, the current seat of the Supreme Court, while the church remained open for worship. The parish was officially dedicated to Santa Bárbara in 1891. This transition not only safeguarded the church but elevated it to a new parish status, continuing to serve the local community. During the 20th century, the church underwent several restorations to preserve its structure and works of art. Two significant fires, in 1915 and 1939, severely damaged the former convent, but fortunately the church was not affected. Subsequent restoration interventions, particularly those led by the architect Joaquín Rojí, have ensured the preservation of the building’s artistic and architectural heritage.