Monasterio de Las Descalzas Reales, Spain
This ancient convent is found in Madrid on the Plazo de las Descalzas. Its history reflects the role of women and the turbulent history of Spain. This convent dates back to the sixteen century and was popular with women who could not find a man or who wished to escape from an oppressive society that insisted on marriages only to suitable gentlemen from the correct background - the question of 'love' did not arise. The role of women in Christian Spain was largely limited to that of a mother, worker or accessory. Brides-to-be often chose to take an alternative veil to become nuns. These new nuns were known as Brides of Christ and of course, as was the tradition, each bride was expected to provide a dowry. These women, often of aristocratic descent gave over everything valuable in their possession. It meant that the convent became brimming with riches and art treasures. A visitor can expect to see works by Titian and Brueghel as well as elaborate tapestries, some relics of St. Sebastian and alleged bits of Christ's cross. The convent was only opened to outsiders in the 20th century when the pope intervened to give his consent for the public to visit, turning this refuge into a museum for all to see.
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