The hospital was founded in the 16C by Cardinal Tavera. After the Civil War, the Duchess of Lerma established, in the left-hand wing, magnificent apartments in the style of the 17C. On the ground floor is a fine library and among the paintings on display, note the Holy Family by El Greco. On the first floor is the Portrait of Cardinal Tavera. From the centre of the patio, a gallery leads to the church where the marvellous Baptism of Christ by El Greco is on display.