Convent of Las Descalzas Reales (Valladolid)

Convent of Las Descalzas Reales (Valladolid)
41°39′21″N 4°43′16″W / 41.65583°N 4.72111°W / 41.65583; -4.72111Coordinates: 41°39′21″N 4°43′16″W / 41.65583°N 4.72111°W / 41.65583; -4.72111
Location	Valladolid, Spain
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Founded	1550
Architecture
Heritage designation	National Monument
Designated	1974
Architect(s)	Francisco de Mora
Architectural type	Classical Baroque
Administration
Diocese	Valladolid

The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales de Valladolid is a monastery in Valladolid in Spain. Literally the Monastery of the Barefoot Royals, it is to be distinguished from a similarly named monastery in Madrid (see Convent of Las Descalzas Reales).

The monastery was originally established in Villalcázar de Sirga in 1550 and was consecrated to Our Lady of Pity. It has been based in Valladolid since 1552. Its dedication was changed to Our Lady of the Assumption by order of Philip III of Spain, who also initiated a rebuilding program. The monastery occupies a spacious site in the city, between calle de Ramón y Cajal (in front of the Chancillería), calle de San Martín and calle del Prado. Its present building is in 17th-century neo-classical style to designs by Francisco de Mora.

Conservation

It originally consisted of a church, a cloister, a courtyard, outbuildings and a garden, and the entire complex still survives. In 2007 it was home to 13 Colletine Poor Clare nuns, financed by an industrial laundry within the convent. It has been a National Monument since 1974.

See also