El Escorial

El Escorial is a large 16th-century royal palace, monastery and basilica complex located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial in the Community of Madrid. Commissioned by King Philip II, it served as a royal residence, a monastery for the Order of Saint Jerome and the Spanish royal pantheon.

The complex is notable for its austere Herrerian architectural style, extensive granite masonry and an organized program of chapels, libraries and royal apartments. Visitors typically see the basilica, royal pantheon, historic library and monastery cloisters.

Construction started in 1563 under the direction of Juan Bautista de Toledo and was largely completed by 1584 under Juan de Herrera, reflecting the political and religious ambitions of Philip II. Over subsequent centuries the site retained its ceremonial and funerary role for the Spanish monarchy.

Situated about 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid, the complex occupies a forested foothill setting near the Sierra de Guadarrama and is accessible by road and regional rail services from the capital.

• Construction dates: Construction began in 1563 under Philip II and the main complex was largely completed by 1584, executed in a restrained Renaissance style.
• Location and function: Sits about 45 kilometers northwest of central Madrid in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and functions as a monastery, palace and royal mausoleum.

What to See #

• Basilica: The great basilica and central church area, featuring the towering granite-and-slate dome and imperial chapels built during the 16th century.
• Pantheon of the Kings: A vaulted chamber in the monastery complex that contains the tombs of Spanish monarchs and members of the royal family, created as a royal mausoleum.
• Library: A Renaissance-era library with a historic collection of manuscripts and early printed books, noted for its decorative shelving and reading galleries.
• Royal Palace areas: The former palace apartments and state rooms used by Spanish monarchs for ceremonies and residence within the large monastic complex.
• Monastery complex: A rectilinear layout of cloisters and courtyards forming the monastic living quarters, built in the late 16th century following a rigid architectural plan.