The grandeur of Spain's Catholic Monarchs is best seen at the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), which houses the royal tombs. This impressive 47-meter-high domed chapel is attached to the Catedral Santa María de la Encarnación but has a separate entrance; it was an addition to the cathedral built from 1506 to 1521 in Late Gothic style.
The interior features beautiful 16th-century stained-glass windows and seven large paintings by Alonso Cano. An elaborately wrought grille by Bartolomé de Jaén encloses the richly decorated royal tombs. To the right is the Tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella in a monument of Carrara marble created by sculptor Domenico Fancelli of Florence.
The crypt houses sarcophagi of other kings and princes. To the left is the tomb of Philip the Handsome and Joan the Mad by Bartolomé Ordóñez. A large beautifully carved retablo behind the royal tombs features statues of the Catholic Monarchs by Diego de Siloé. In the transepts are richly decorated relicarios (side altars) by Alonso de Mena. The north transept displays the famous Triptych of the Passion by Dieric Bouts.
A highlight of the Capilla Real is the sacristy, a treasure trove of artwork, including Botticelli's Christ on the Mount of Olives painting, Rogier van der Weyden's Pietà, and Hans Memling's Descent from the Cross. The collection also displays polychrome wood figures of the Catholic Monarchs in prayer by Felipe Vigarny; King Ferdinand's sword; Queen Isabella's crown; and a prayer book, which belonged to the Catholic Monarchs
