Monastery of San Antonio el Real, Segovia

The Monastery of San Antonio el Real is a significant monastic complex located in the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Built in the Gothic architectural style, it holds great religious and historical importance in the region. Today, the monastery has been converted into a museum that showcases numerous works of art, including a silver reliquary of Saint Anthony of Padua and various Flemish triptychs from the Utrecht school.

The monastery's history dates back to 1455 when King Enrique IV commissioned the construction of a recreational palace on the "El Campillo" estate. Soon after, he generously donated the palace to the Franciscans, who transformed it into a convent. On April 12, 1468, during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, the monastery was transferred to the Franciscan Poor Clares, who have inhabited it ever since. An inscription within the monastery's walls reads, "King Enrique IV built this monastery and Queen Doña Isabel endowed it," serving as a testament to its royal origins.

The entrance to the monastery's church features Elizabethan Gothic architecture, distinguished by the prominent shields of King Enrique IV, who was responsible for its construction. Inside, the main chapel exhibits the Mudejar style, characterized by its unique combination of Islamic and Christian influences. The chapel's vault is adorned with an intricate coffered ceiling in the Mudejar style, supported by a frieze of polychrome plasterwork. The decorative motifs consist of stars and arches, while clusters of Mozarabic pineapples hang from the center.

On the Epistle side of the church, visitors can admire a remarkable altarpiece from the 15th century. This altarpiece showcases a Flemish calvary and features polychrome sculptures. It adds to the artistic richness and historical value of the monastery.