Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de Escorial

The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de Escorial, Madrid is among one of the most interesting sites one finds around the city. Here, one finds a monastery built in the herreriano style on the bequest of King Philip II. Within the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de Escorial lies an adequately ornate chamber of the monastery wherein are buried the erstwhile monarchs of Spain. The pleasant landscape provides travelers with a satisfying environment in the summer months as an escape from the often stifling temperatures of Madrid. The other areas of interest include: the Casita Del Infante or the Casita De Arriba, and the Casita Del Principe or the Casita De Abajo, both by Juan de Villanueva.

The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de Escorial, Madrid is also home to pictures by Lucas Jordan and Giaquinto, the Real Coliseo de Carlos III and the famed Silla de Felipe II or Piedra de la Herreria where Philip II watched the progress of works. However, the best thing about your trip to El Escorial is the panoramic landscape. Directly beneath the chancel of the basilica is housed a circular chapel, containing the remains of the monarchs and queens from Emperor Charles V to modern times. Only King Philip V and King Ferdinand VI are exceptions – they are buried in the foundations of La Granja de San Ildefonso and Las Saleas Reales.

The remains of other members of the royal family are buried in the Pantheon of Infantes. Both the monastery and the areas of the complex were used as a palace. It was used by Philip II who commissioned architects from Italy to the El Escorial. The works include frescoes by Zuccaro, Tibaldi, and Cambiaso, who painted spaces in the library, the sacristy, the chapter houses, the lower cloister, the main staircase and the gallery of the battles. Visit the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de Escorial for a flavor of sightseeing in Madrid.