El Escorial
Phillip II's vast palace-monastery complex
Built by Phillip II to commemorate his victory over the French at the Battle of San Quentin in 1557, El Escorial is a gargantuan complex comprising a palace, monastery, mausoleum, church, school and library. It was from her that the devout Spanish king ruled his vast empire. In keeping with his austere reputation, the king's rooms are stark and sober, but the Biblioteca (library), the Basílica (church) and the Palacio de los Borbones are designed to impress and they certainly do the job.
Look out, too, for the Panteón Real which contains the tombs of past Spanish monarchs and the Sala de Batallas with its heroic series of paintings chronicling Spain's imperial triumphs.
Open: Tues–Sun: April–Sept 10am–7pm; Oct–March 10am–6pm
Entry: €12 plus €4 for a guided tour or €3 for an audio-guide.
Free Wed & Sun 3–7pm (3–6pm between Oct and March) for EU citizens
patrimonionacional.es
+34 918 905 902