One of Madrid's many gems. It is the small chapel from the 16th century is part of the church complex of San Andres, although the entrance is separate and is at the rear of the church. The chapel is beautiful. The precious altar of the chapel are made of alabaster. To visit without a doubt. I recommend this visit.

Be sure to search out this small “Chapel of the Bishop” located in the quiet, sloping Plaza de la Paja! And, if it is closed for some reason when you come, it is worth the effort to try again. At center is a tall, elaborately carved, painted, and gilded wood altarpiece, flanked by two smaller stone sculptures embedded in the wall. Occupying the wall to the right is the huge and magnificent tomb of Gutierre de Vargas y Carvajal, who was Bishop of Plasencia, and after whom the chapel is commonly called today. Its proper name is the Chapel of Our Lady and Saint John Lateran. The Bishop is depicted kneeling at center in a deep, arched niche. The many other figures that make up the composition are masterfully carved and amazingly lifelike. Take the time to look at their faces, poses, and clothing. Given the destruction — through war, fire, age, and rebuilding — of adjacent structures over the centuries, the survival of these sculptures is nearly miraculous. Now, back to those two smaller sculptures on either side of the altar. These monuments are dedicated to the bishop’s father and mother. His mother, Inés de Carvajal, died in 1518, before Don Gutierre was elected bishop. His father, Francisco de Vargas y Medina, was a member of the powerful Vargas family, who owned this land in Madrid. Don Francisco was a renowned advisor to the monarchy and commissioned this chapel in 1520, two years after his wife’s death and four years before his own death in unusual circumstances in Burgos in 1524. This was the same year in which Pope Clement VII appointed his son to be Bishop of Plasencia, a position he held until his death in 1559. Unfortunately, given the importance of this rare surviving Renaissance work in Madrid, I have not been able to piece together details of who designed and created these sculptures (though such data does survive for the altarpiece) and whether or not they have undergone extensive renovation. They are said to be carved from alabaster, but — in any case — the great artistry of whoever was responsible is something that can still be appreciated five centuries later. . .