El Escorial

Travel Guide

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.

This is the Courtyard of the Kings and the entrance to the Basilica. By European standards we found the Basilica a bit boring. The two highlights were a gorgeous life-size white marble sculpture of Christ on the cross by Cellini (originally meant for the sculptor’s own tomb) and the Giordano ceilings, which he frescoed when he was his late 50s.

Visit El Escorial

Where to stay

Things to do

Where to stay in El Escorial

Peralejo

The coffeehouses and casinos are a few reasons travelers visit Peralejo. Want to see more of the surrounding area? La Silla de Felipe II and Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial are a few top sights nearby.

Navalquejigo

While Navalquejigo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Centro Comercial Los Valles.

B&B Yeguada la parrilla

C/ Cebadillas s/n El Escorial Madrid

Stay at this B&B in El Escorial. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Prince's House and Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial ...

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The Oliver Aravaca Apartamentos

Calle Alsasua 8, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28023 Madrid Madrid

Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Royal Palace of Madrid and Bernabéu Stadium ...

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Hotel Pax Torrelodones

Calle Sama de Landreo, s/n Torrelodones Madrid

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Torrelodones. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino Gran Madrid and Espacio ...

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The Oliver Apartamentos Pozuelo

Vía de las Dos Castillas 9B Pozuelo de Alarcon Madrid

Stay at this aparthotel in Pozuelo de Alarcon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza ...

Oshun Mirasierra

Avenida del Cardenal Herrera Oria, 241 Madrid Madrid

Stay at this apartment in Madrid. Popular attractions Bernabéu Stadium and Gran Via are located nearby.

Casas Rurales Collarubio

Calle de Goya 12 Collado Mediano

Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Collado Mediano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Monumento al Cantero ...

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Popular places to visit

Church of San Bernabe

After visiting Church of San Bernabe, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Prince's House

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Prince's House during your trip to El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.