Things to do in El Escorial
The Monastery of El Escorial is one of the most important monuments in Spain. Located on the southeast slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama in the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (in the community of Madrid), the monastery was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was built in the sixteenth century (between 1563 and 1584) and became the biggest building in all of Europe. The complex includes a royal palace, a basilica, a cemetery, a library and a monastery. The palace was the residence of the Spanish Royal Family, the basilica is the burial place of the Spanish kings, and the monastery is currently occupied by St. Augustinian monks. Also known as the Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real, or simply El Escorial, it was founded by monks of the Order of St. Jerome. The complex was designed by King Philip II and his architect Juan Bautista de Toledo. Subsequently, other architects joined the project, among whom include Juan de Herrera, Juan de Minjares, Giovanni Battista Castello, the Bergamasco, and Francisco de Mora. At the end of the sixteenth century, the monastery was considered the eighth wonder of the world because of its size, functional complexity and symbolic value.
Our recommendations in El Escorial
Escorial Monastery Morning Tour and Flamenco Show
Visit El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen with a tour guide. Enjoy a live flamenco show in a famous tablao on this full-day experience from Madrid.
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Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen trip from Madrid
Enjoy a guided tour from Madrid to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Plan your trip and book now.
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Toledo and the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen tour from Madrid
Combine 2 half-day tours and visit both the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen before leaving to discover Toledo.
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Escorial and Valley half-day tour from Madrid
Get ready to visit the UNESCO-listed San Lorenzo del Escorial and the monumental Valley of the Fallen on this guided tour from Madrid!
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Escorial Monastery Morning Tour and Flamenco Show
Visit El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen with a tour guide. Enjoy a live flamenco show in a famous tablao on this full-day experience from Madrid.
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Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen trip from Madrid
Enjoy a guided tour from Madrid to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Plan your trip and book now.
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Toledo and the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen tour from Madrid
Combine 2 half-day tours and visit both the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen before leaving to discover Toledo.
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Escorial and Valley half-day tour from Madrid
Get ready to visit the UNESCO-listed San Lorenzo del Escorial and the monumental Valley of the Fallen on this guided tour from Madrid!
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Tour of Escorial, Valle de los Caidos and Segovia with lunch from Madrid
Visit 3 amazing sites in one day with a professional guide, luxury transportation and typical lunch. You'll get to see the Valle de los Caídos, the Monastery of Escorial and the beautiful medieval Segovia.
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El Escorial Monastery half-day tour from Madrid
Discover the Escorial Monastery and visit its library on this 5-hour guided tour from Madrid with transport included.
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San Lorenzo de El Escorial skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Book a guided tour to visit the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, considered by some as the Eighth Wonder of the World!
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Escorial and Valley of the Fallen half-day tour with entrance tickets
Marvel at the Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen basilica with an official on this half-day tour with tickets included.
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How to get there
El Escorial
Madrid
Spain
Reviews El Escorial
“Niet bijzonder, maar gewoon goed.”
