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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.

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El Escorial
tips & insights

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Functions

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.

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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 are 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.

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

There is also an interesting monastery,
but it is not open to the public because it is operational.

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Exterior vs. interior

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

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Name

The El Escorial complex was named
for the nearby town of Escorial and is pronounced:

Ehl Es-kohr'-ee-uhl

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Nearest major city

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

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NEXT Spain wonder

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