The Bishop chapel, jewel of the Spanish Renaissance

One of the most hidden secrets of Madrid is popularly known as the Chapel of Bishops, although its official name is that of St. Mary and St. John Lateran.

Very few locals and tourists know this wonderful building of the sixteenth century, and that it is in the heart of Old Town, in the Plaza de la Paja, in the back of the church of San Andrés and the Museum of San Isidro, just really popular drinking area of America and the Cava Baja.From our hostel is just 10 'walk. The chapel was built as a destination for the remains of San Isidro, patron of Madrid, commissioned by Francisco de Vargas, whose family had worked for the holy in the thirteenth century. It would be his son, the Bishop of Plasencia, Gutierre de Vargas Carvajal and who would end the ongoing works and his splendid and final appearance. The body of the Saint was in the chapel until 1544, then the bishop decided to make the family vault. And so instructed the sculptor Francisco Palencia of Giralte the magnificent altarpiece, alabaster tombs and one each for his parents and himself in plateresco style, masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance.In the altarpiece are scenes from the life of Christ. While the tombs of his parents are simpler, the Don Gutierre is an impressive work, framing itself set in a sort of Roman triumphal arch. The bishop presents prayer, attended by several canons. Appears surrounded by several figures of saints and various allegories. He is accompanied by a set of musicians and choristers. The work is superb invoice and fully deserves a visit to the chapel. The only drawback is that it has a regular schedule of visits, but not impossible. At 12.30 it can be an exciting asit religious service sung by the Sisters of the Lamb. Twenty minutes before the doors open and can be accessed at the meditation chapel. Worth to stay and attend religious sisters act. In that place, the singing of the nuns of fuses in moments of sublime beauty with art around us. A place not to be missed.