An oasis of spirituality in the heart of Spain's capital, the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales - the Convent of the Royal Barefoot Nuns - represents the full splendour of religious art connected to the Hapsburg dynasty. Founded by the Infanta Juana, sister of Felipe II, in the sixteenth century, the convent was home to the Empress Maria, widow of Maximilian II of Austria, and her daughter Margarita. The chapel master was the great composer Tomas Luis Victoria. High spots of a visit to this exquisite convent include the Royal staircase, Felipe IV's family pew, the Hall of Tapestries and the high cloister chapels. There is also one of the most valuable collections of paintings in Spain, with works by Zurbaran, Titian and Rubens.