Plaza de las Salesas, Madrid

Plaza de las Salesas is a small, quiet garden square in the heart of Madrid, sitting in the Justicia neighborhood right on the edge of Chamberí. It's easy to walk past without noticing, yet it holds one of the most atmospheric corners of the capital — green, calm, and closely tied to the history of the Spanish monarchy and judiciary.

Why is the square called Salesas?

The name comes from the former Convento de las Salesas Reales, founded in 1748 by Queen Bárbara de Braganza, wife of King Ferdinand VI. The convent was built to serve as a school for daughters of noble families, and also as a place where the queen intended to retire should she outlive her husband. The complex included the church now known as the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara (also called Iglesia de las Salesas Reales), designed by French architect François Carlier and later remodeled by Francisco Moradillo.

What can you actually see here?

Inside the church stands a mausoleum designed by Sabatini, holding the remains of King Ferdinand VI and Queen Bárbara de Braganza — one of the few places in Madrid where religious architecture is so directly tied to royal history. The former convent building itself now houses the Tribunal Supremo, Spain's Supreme Court. Close by are also the Audiencia Nacional and the Consejo General del Poder Judicial, which together make this stretch of the city Spain's de facto judicial hub.

The square itself is a modest urban garden: mature, spreading trees, stone benches, and two monuments tucked among the greenery — a bronze bust of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and an allegorical sculpture dedicated to poetry. It's a place made for pausing rather than sightseeing at pace — good for sitting down, letting the city noise fade, and taking in the church façade at a slower speed.

How do you get there?

The easiest way is by metro: the nearest station is Alonso Martínez, about a 6-minute walk from the square. If you're coming by bus, it's even closer — the Salesas stop is just 2 minutes away. Justicia is well connected to central Madrid, so it's worth pairing a visit here with a walk through the surrounding streets, which are quieter and less crowded than the main tourist routes.

When is the best time to visit?

Daytime works best, when the light catches the church façade and the garden's greenery. Given its small size and intimate feel, the square rewards a visit outside peak hours — early morning or late afternoon, when foot traffic is lighter and it's easier to actually feel the character of this part of Madrid.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Plaza de las Salesas? The closest metro station is Alonso Martínez (about a 6-minute walk), and the nearest bus stop, Salesas, is just 2 minutes from the square.

What's located around the square? The Iglesia de Santa Bárbara (the former Salesas Reales convent church) and the old convent building, now home to the Tribunal Supremo. The Audiencia Nacional and the Consejo General del Poder Judicial are also nearby.

Are there any monuments on the square? Yes — a bronze bust of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and an allegorical sculpture dedicated to poetry.

Who is buried in the church next to the square? A mausoleum designed by Sabatini holds the remains of King Ferdinand VI and Queen Bárbara de Braganza, founder of the Salesas Reales convent.