🏛️ Monastery of El Escorial
Spain
About This Sacred Site
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, northwest of Madrid, was built by Philip II between 1563 and 1584 as a royal palace, monastery, basilica, and mausoleum. This massive complex of granite embodies the power and piety of Counter-Reformation Spain. The Royal Pantheon beneath the basilica holds the remains of nearly every Spanish monarch since Charles V. The library contains over 40,000 rare volumes and priceless manuscripts. Philip II conceived it as a monument to the victory at the Battle of Saint Quentin on the feast day of St. Lawrence.
Key Facts
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984
- •Contains the Royal Pantheon with remains of most Spanish monarchs since Charles V
- •The library holds over 40,000 rare books and is decorated with Pellegrino Tibaldi frescoes
- •The complex contains over 2,600 windows, 1,200 doors, and 86 staircases
- •Philip II had a small chamber built so he could view the altar from his bedroom
Location
Coordinates: 40.5893, -4.1477
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