Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

The monastery at El Escorial is still operating, though it has transitioned from the Hieronymites to the Order of Saint Augustine. Despite it's grand appearance, only around 40 Augustinians remain in residence.

Parts of the monastery and royal palace are open for touring, but it feels more like a fine art museum than an opulent palace. Worth a couple of hours though.

August 15th every year. FIreworks are launched at midnight as a closing ceremony of the San Lorenzo festivities, which take place the week before that last day. Everybody stands at the big open area next to the Royal Palace and Monastery, while the show begins, by the rythm of music. It is a great and exiting entertainment, located in a beautiful place! Must watch ;) #lifeatexpedia #fireworks #lights #novembercontest #elescorial

El Escorial was built by King Philip II in the late 16th century to serve as both a royal palace and as the seat of the Catholic Church in Spain. In addition to the palace the complex includes a basilica, a convent, a school, a library, and a pantheon.

While El Escorial is impressive from the outside, we actually found it a little austere on the inside. In many ways it felt more like a fine art museum than a typically elaborate European palace (such as Versailles). That said, there are some impressive sights, including works by El Greco, Bernini, and Giardini. The library was also quite beautiful, with richly carved wood shelves, a marble floor, and a colorful fresco ceiling by Pellegrino Tibaldi.

For me, the highlight of the tour was the 180ft long (55m) Hall of Battles – a barrel-vaulted room where the walls were completely covered in frescos depicting Spain's military victories over the Moors and the French. All aspects of the battle field were portrayed (when you have 180ft, that is quite doable), and the artist employed an interesting trick whereby the more distant, smaller scenes were less saturated, and the background mountains and landscape were set in hues of blue.

Overall I'd say El Escorial is worth a visit, but you probably won't need more than a couple of hours to enjoy it.

Visit Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Activities

San Lorenzo de El Escorial travel guide

Popular places to visit

Valley of the Fallen

You can learn about the history of San Lorenzo de El Escorial when you stop by Valley of the Fallen. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Friars' Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Friars' Garden, a lovely green space in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater

You can get tickets for a performance at El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater on your trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater

You can get tickets for a performance at Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater during your trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Casita del Infante

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Casita del Infante during your trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Real Club de Golf La Herreria

Enjoy a round of golf in San Lorenzo de El Escorial at Real Club de Golf La Herreria. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

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