El Escurial
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de el Escorial was built at the behest of King Philip II. It was meant as a dwelling for God on Earth, at a time when the Protestant Reformation was shaking the foundations of Catholic Europa. This unique building has come to symbolise the Counterreformation.
Arquitects of this were Juan Bautista de Toledo and his successor Juan de Herrera. The construction works only lasted from 1563 to 1584.
The complex is a basilica, royal palace, monastery, seminary, library and mausoleum in one.
Visit December 2002
I almost missed this one! Really, I could tell some stories about worldheritages that I didn't see because I couldn't find them. Not a good sense of direction I'm afraid.
The Escorial actually is situated at the heart of the city San Lorenzo de el Escorial, where I expected it to be in a park somewhat out of town. But a first glance of the huge building was enough to guide me in the right direction.
Hundreds, maybe thousands, of fellow visitors were around at its premises. On my tour inside the monastery I was most impressed by the Pantheon de los Reyes, the mausoleum for Spain's royal family.
More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery
Reviews
John Booth (New Zealand):
We travelled out to El Escorial by Cercanias train from Madrid. On arrival my first impression was of a massive, sinister looking grey building surrounded by a moat. More like a prison than a monastery.
However inside it was a feast of masterpieces by great Italian and Spanish artists, and an huge collection of tapestries |
| |
Philip T.K. (Canada):
 I visited El Escurial on a hot Sunday afternoon. While its beauty is undeniable, my memories of the place are overshadowed by a pickpocketing incident earlier in the day. The monastery's exterior is austere at best but the rooms and paintings inside are a beautiful sight. I went on a guided tour (in English) which is rushed and lasts about an hour but I had the chance to retrace the route after my tour ended. The Royal Pantheon where most Spanish kings were buried since Charles I (more commonly known as Charles V since he was also the Holy Roman Emperor) is a must-see. Other places worth seeing include the room where Philip II died (the bed is small but my guide assured me that it was "king size") and numerous priceless paintings by famous artists such as El Greco that litter the building. No photos are allowed inside although I managed to sneak a few shots without flash. Although I wouldn't say that El Escurial ranks among the best sites in Spain, it's a great day trip from Madrid with easy transportation (many buses and trains go there everyday) and it can also be combined with a visit to the Valley of the Fallen (Franco's tomb) which I unfortunately did not do. |
| |
sarah hughn (australia):
its a really great place and its just geogeous and beautiful i must have taken at least 20 photos of it! i think that everyone should check it out its just amazing:) |
| |
Have you been to Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid
? Share your experiences!
Add your own review
