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Madrid's San Francisco Basilica / Basque history

It gets on my nerves when I see this discussion forum repeatedly giving Madrid second-tier status among Iberian cities worth spending time in, so I wanted to take a moment to point out that you shouldn't miss a stop at the Basilica de San Francisco Grande

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/san-francisco-el-grande

especially since tomorrow is the 45th anniversary of the assassination of the Francoist Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco -- who was blown up in his car in front of the church by Basque separatists, using explosives obtained from American military sources.

The regime used this event as an excuse for further reprisals against the Basque population, even though many many people hated this guy, whose only positive quality was that he attended mass obsessively, thereby providing rebels with a positive time and location to target.

Inside you'll find great portrait paintings by fantastic Spanish artists including Zurbaran, Goya, etc. and there is amazing decor and architecture, without the crowds at better-known sites. Be sure to check it out!

Posted by
6386 posts

Walked right by it last May on the way to the Puente and Puerta de Toledo, but it wasn’t on my radar. Will check it out on my next visit.

Posted by
7731 posts

I am in Madrid for the a 2nd time for 2 nights next week on my way to Andalucia I will check this place out.
Thanks as I am having hard time figuring out what I what to see that I did not the first time.

Posted by
2418 posts

I like anything to do with Santa Barbara so on my list of things to do during my next visit is the Parroquia de Santa Barbara that is off the Plaza de las Salesas -- the main chapel is still in use but the outbuildings are now municipal offices and court administration. The surrounding area has a lot of interesting spots to poke around.
I'd actually consider lodging around here, maybe.