Secret Nun Cookies Madrid: Sacred Silence to Sweet Sensations
The Convento de las Carboneras or Monastery of Corpus Christy, and its cookie-selling nuns are considered one of Madrid’s hidden gems. In a secret corner of the great city of Madrid, where culture and religion intersect, you find a culinary highlight to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. To find these nun cookies in Madrid, you need at least a Girl Scout, preferably after they sell all their cookies (in February.) Follow us as we review the history of this tradition .
Hidden Gems in Madrid
If you want to do something a little off the beaten path, while still in the middle of Madrid, this is the place to go. Its secluded nature, combined with the intriguing practice of selling cookies through a turnstile to maintain the nuns’ cloistered lifestyle, adds to its charm as a lesser-known attraction in the bustling city. This culinary tradition is not widely known to the general public, providing a sense of secrecy. This is a fascinating topic for those exploring the city’s lesser-known attractions.
Monasterio del Corpus Christy
Founded in 1607 by Beatriz Ramírez de Mendoza, Countess of Castelar, this convent is commonly known as the Convento de las Carboneras. The name “Carboneras” originates from an image of the Virgin Mary that was found in a coal yard (a “carbonería” in Spanish), which was donated to the convent. Established in the early 17th century, it has been a notable site in Madrid for its architectural significance and the unique tradition of the cloistered nuns selling homemade cookies to the public.
The building, designed by Miguel de Soria in the early 17th century, represents one of Madrid’s first Baroque constructions. It features a simple façade, a single-nave church with a distinctive raised main chapel, a unique architectural feature in Madrid. The convent is renowned for its homemade sweets, sold by the nuns from a hidden shop within the premises.
The Life of the Nuns
The nuns of the Convento de las Carboneras lead a cloistered life. They dedicate themselves to prayer, sacrifice, reflection, charity, and a strict dedication to silence, rejecting the distractions of the external world. They sell traditional Spanish cookies to earn a living while maintaining their seclusion. This practice has given the world a limited yet fascinating glimpse into their secluded lives. The cookies have become a treasure hunt for locals and tourists, offering a unique experience in the heart of Madrid’s Austrian barrio.
When purchasing these nun cookies, in Madrid visitors engage with the nuns via a turnstile, without direct visual or verbal interaction, maintaining the nuns’ commitment to a life of seclusion and silence. This tradition allows the nuns to sustain their way of life and provides a rare bridge between the cloistered community and the outside world, offering a unique culinary and cultural experience.
How To Find the Monastery From Plaza de Sol / Puerta de Sol
We set off with a spring in our step, which is better than a step in your spring. But, before I get too distracted, here are the directions for the .6 miles or 960 meters. This is less than a km for those unfamiliar with the metric system. Most of us can do that in 15 minutes. Walking from Sol to the Convento de las Carboneras, or the Monastery of Corpus Christi, is a straightforward and pleasant journey through some of Madrid’s historic streets.
Route from Puerto del Sol
- Start at Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s most famous squares and a major public transportation hub.
- Head southwest towards Calle Mayor, one of the main streets leading out of Sol. You’ll be walking on Calle Mayor for a short distance.
- Turn left onto Calle de Esparteros, and then make a quick right onto Calle de San Cristóbal.
- Continue on Calle de San Cristóbal until you reach Plaza de San Miguel. The Mercado de San Miguel, a popular market, is located here and is worth a quick visit if you have the time.
- Cross Plaza de San Miguel and continue straight onto Calle de la Cava de San Miguel.
- Turn left onto Calle de Cuchilleros. This street is famous for its traditional restaurants and taverns.
- Follow Calle de Cuchilleros as it curves to the right and becomes Calle de la Cava Alta.
- Continue on Calle de la Cava Alta until you reach Plaza de la Cebada.
- Cross Plaza de la Cebada and continue onto Calle de Toledo.
- Turn right onto Calle del Conde de Miranda. The convent is located here, and you’ll find the entrance to the Convento de las Carboneras.
Tips
This walk should take you through some of the older parts of Madrid. Strolling through these streets will allow you to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture. Remember to check a current map or use a navigation app for the most accurate directions.
If you don’t enjoy walking, you can consider using ride-sharing services such as Uber, Bolt, Cabify, or taxis. These services are widely available across Madrid. However, in some areas of the city, walking may be faster than taking a ride-share option. One-way streets and traffic can make it difficult for cars to reach their destination.
Enola Homes Would Love This Mystery
Hidden Door Corpus Christy
- After you find the convent, find the secret door.
- How will you know it’s the right door?
- Find the door with the intercom. Press and ask “Tiene dulce hoy?”
- If you visit during the proper hours, they will unlock the door and you are off to the next adventure.
How I miss the grandbabies who love a great adventure. They love to solve puzzles, and their favorite mystery detective is Enola Homes. Enola, let’s see if you can find it with these tips! Siesta is still a thing, especially in smaller rural towns (and monasteries), although the Spanish do not call it siesta anymore.
Hours: 9:30 to 13:0 AND 16:30 to 18:15
Finding the Secret Nun Cookies Inside the Monastery
- Don’t go up the stairs,stay to the left.
- When you see the “bear eating the broccoli,” stay to the left of it.
- Finally, you will reach the brown door with a turnstile.
- To place your order.
How Do You Say Cookie In Spanish?
Nun Cookies Madrid
I assume that the menu of the nun cookies might change over time, but when we visited Spain and Madrid in Spring 2024 the list included Naranjines (Orange Flavored Biscuits), Pastas De Te (Tea Bicuits), Pastas de Almendra (Almond Biscuits), Sequillos (Dry Biscuits), Nevaditos (Icing sugar shortbread biscuits), Mantecados de Jerez (sherry shortbread biscuits), Mantecados de Yema (egg yolk shortbread biscuits), Galletes (Lemon flavored biscuits). The menu is available in both Spanish and English..
Make your selection, the exact amount of cash is ideal. We had a larger bill and thought they could keep the change. That was not a thing. The nun on the other side sent the change back on the next rotation of the turnstile. Ultimately, we took the change and put it in a collection box. I appreciated that they did not take more than the value of the cookies and loved the opportunity to add money to the collection box.
Once you have made your choice press the button on the intercom to the right of the turnstile and order your favorite nun cookies. Place your cash on the turnstile and rotate it for the nuns to collect the money. In turn the nuns will place the cookies on the turnstile and rotate it. With minimum verbal and no visual interaction, we received our cookies.
Monastery of Corpus Christi las Carboneras
The nun’s vow of silence and seclusion makes it interesting to order the cookies. The turnstile (or “torno” in Spanish) plays a unique and fascinating role in how the nuns interact with the outside world, particularly in selling homemade nun cookies. This device is essential to the nuns’ way of life, as it allows them to maintain their cloistered and secluded lifestyle, allowing for anonymous interaction while still engaging in commerce.
A Perfect Nun Cookie For A Snowy Afternoon
The nun cookies are not your ordinary sweets. They are a delectable testament to centuries of culinary tradition, wrapped in the mystique and devotion of a secluded life. Each bite offers a unique blend of flavors that is as rich and complex as the history of the convent itself. From the crisp, buttery textures to the subtle sweetness and aromatic spices, these cookies transcend mere taste to evoke a sense of connection with the past and the secretive lives of the nuns who make them.
We were fortunate to experience a rare snowfall in Madrid on February 2nd, 2024, providing a picturesque setting for coffee and secret cookies. You might ask, why am I so specific with the date? The reason is that it usually does not snow in Madrid…but we got lucky. So if you ever wondered if it snow is Spain – there you have it.
Conclusion to the Secret Nun Cookies in Madrid
This hidden gem in Madrid not only tantalizes the palate but also offers a rare glimpse into a world where tradition and solitude converge to create something truly extraordinary. In a city teeming with culinary delights, the secret cookies of the Convento de las Carboneras stand out as a unique blend of flavor, history, and mystery, making them an unforgettable part of Madrid’s rich tapestry.
This unique method of selling cookies has become a point of interest for visitors, adding to the convent’s mystique and charm as one of Madrid’s hidden gems. Don’t miss out on finding these nun cookies in Madrid!
Nun Cookies in Madrid offers a delightful and unique culinary experience steeped in tradition. With their rich history and irresistible flavors, these cookies provide a charming taste of Madrid’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in these delectable treats is a must-do when exploring the city’s vibrant food scene.
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