The Escorial Monastery, “the eighth wonder of the world”.
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, is an immense palace, Augustinian monastery, museum, and library complex located at San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It´s one of the main Spanish Renaissance monuments. The monastery and its historic surroundings were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, its very recommendable tour from Madrid.
The Monastery of El Escorial is the most prominent building constructed at the order of Philip II after the victory in the battle of San Quintin against the French.
The Residence and the Royal Pantheon represented the greatness of the Spanish Empire, in its interior you can find the magnificent Basilica of El Escorial which represents the architectural heart of the monument, the Royal Pantheon, a majestic stay where were buried almost all the Kings of Spain from the Emperor Charles V, the Pantheon of the Princes and the impressive Royal Library of great value, the courtyards and elegant gardens ideal place for repose and meditation.
El Escorial the architectural ensemble of great value
The complex has an enormous store of art, including masterworks by Tintoretto, El Greco, Velázquez and others, its library containing thousands of priceless ancient manuscripts.
An unique residential complex of palaces and houses built around the monastery complete and add the charm to this architectural ensemble of great historical and artistic value, located in the magnificent scenery proximate to Madrid.
El The Valley of the Fallen
The Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos) is an impressive monument near El Escorial erected in memory of those who died during the Spanish Civil War of 1936, this huge complex consist of The Basilica excavated in the rock, The Cross 150 m high, which is visible from as far away as 50 km. and the Abbey.
Due to the close proximity of both attractions (just 9 km away), it is highly recommended to take advantage of this Madrid guided tour to visit El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen as well, two splendid symbols of important periods in the history of Spain.
