Second Monastery of the Visitación

The Second Monastery of the Visitación, also known as Salesas Nuevas, is a historic convent complex in Madrid, located on Calle de San Bernardo in the Malasaña district. It was founded in 1798 on the initiative of Maria Luisa Centurión, with the building designed by architect Manuel Bradi. Its plain street facade gives little away, but the convent church inside holds one of the more rewarding sacred interiors in this part of the city.

What is the history behind this monastery?

The complex was established as the second Visitation Order foundation in Madrid, which is why it carries the name "Salesas Nuevas" (New Salesas) — distinguishing it from the older convent of the same order elsewhere in the city. The building suffered damage during the Spanish Civil War, when part of the complex was destroyed. Restoration work took place in the 1970s, bringing the monastery back to a state close to its original design. Today it is listed in the Inventory of Cultural Assets of the Community of Madrid, a recognition of its historical and architectural value.

What can you see on the facade and inside?

The church facade is marked by four Tuscan granite pilasters, a restrained architectural detail typical of religious buildings from this period. Above the entrance portal sits a relief depicting Saint Francis de Sales, the patron of the Visitation Order and the source of its name.

Inside the church, visitors find valuable paintings, including "The Dream of Saint Joseph," one of the most notable works in the interior. The contrast between the understated exterior and the richly decorated church is characteristic of this style of convent architecture in central Madrid.

The full complex extends well beyond the church itself: it includes five interior patios with covered galleries and gardens, along with several ancillary buildings, making it a sizeable enclosed compound in the middle of the city.

How do you get there?

The monastery sits on Calle de San Bernardo, in Malasaña — one of the most distinctive and lively neighborhoods in central Madrid, known for its cafés, galleries, and atmospheric streets. Malasaña borders Gran Vía and the Chueca district, which makes it easy to combine a visit to the monastery with other central Madrid sights on the same walk.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the building functions primarily as an active church and convent, visits are best planned with the rhythm of religious life in mind. Malasaña itself is best experienced during the day, when the facade's architectural details are easiest to appreciate and the neighborhood's cafés and local shops are open. In the evening, the district takes on a different character as one of Madrid's nightlife hubs.

Why is it worth a stop?

The Second Monastery of the Visitación is a good example of Madrid's understated religious architecture — unremarkable from the street, but rewarding for those who step inside. It also offers a small window into the city's Civil War history and subsequent reconstruction, all while sitting in one of Madrid's most characterful and less crowded central neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Second Monastery of the Visitación located? The monastery stands on Calle de San Bernardo in the Malasaña district of central Madrid.

Who founded the monastery and when? It was founded in 1798 on the initiative of Maria Luisa Centurión, with the building designed by architect Manuel Bradi.

What are the main things to see there? Highlights include the facade with its four Tuscan granite pilasters and a relief of Saint Francis de Sales above the entrance, the painting "The Dream of Saint Joseph" inside the church, and the complex's five interior patios with galleries and gardens.

Why is it called "Salesas Nuevas"? The name distinguishes it from the older, first Visitation Order convent in Madrid — this was the order's second foundation in the city.