Spain: El Escorial

El Escorial (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

      El Escorial is fairly close to Madrid (45 mins by train) and is well worth the trip.  El Escorial itself is tucked between mountains overlooking a valley.  Just a few minutes in the town and you could understand why the kings of the past chose this area for a place of respite.

Monastery San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain. Distant view. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

       El Escorial was finished in 1587 after 21 years of work. It was concieved by Phillip II of Spain in part to celebrate victory at the battle of St. Quentin in Picardy, France, and to establish Spain as the center of the Catholic world during the reformation.  Historically, El Escorial has played dual roles as both a monastary and royal palace. It has also has been the final resting place of all of Spains kings since it was built.  The complex is comprised of the Basilica, Royal Palace, Friars Gardens, and Library.  Each is incorporated into a total structure that is surrounded with outer walls and towers at each corner.
     The Main architect was the famous Juan Bautista de Toledo, however he did not live to see its completion and his duties were taken up by his apprentice Juan de Herrera. Dozens of other architects were also used as collaborators for the many areas of the complex. Presently, El Escorial is no longer the palace of the King but is still a monastery and final resting place for Spain's royal families.

Related articles

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain (vinoconvistablog.me)
• Real monasterio san lorenzo el escorial (slideshare.net)