El Escorial

travel  wonder in Spain

Why
El Escorial
is special

The massive El Escorial countryside building contains - under one roof - a striking royal pantheon, palace, monastery, basilica, library, school, and art collection.

Top Five

El Escorial must-sees

Royal Crypt - All but three of the kings that ruled Spain over the past five centuries are interned in this ornately stunning mausoleum.

Basilica - Its high altar and backdrop is decorated with gold and precious artwork.

Library - Rare historic books and manuscripts fill this richly decorated room.

Art Galleries - You see works by master artists including Titian, Velasquez and El Greco.

Phillip II Chambers - The relative simplicity of King Philip's living quarters in Escorial reflect the lifestyle of this powerful, deeply religious king.

El Escorial

tips & insights

King Philip II built El Escorial (1557-84) for many purposes, including as a final resting place for his royal parents, himself, and his kings-to-be descendants.

The austerity of the El Escorial exterior granite structure (see photo) gives scant hint of the resplendent rooms that lie inside.

The monastery is not open to the public because it is operational.

Ehl Es-kohr'-ee-uhl is how El Escorial is pronounced. It was named for the nearby town of Escorial.

You can visit El Escorial as a day trip from Madrid. It's only 40 kilometers (25 miles) away.

View my other gold,

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My Spanish

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Spanish cuisine

I hope your Spain travel dreams come true - and that 

my El Escorial page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications