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 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 kings of Spain and the monastery is currently occupied by monks of the Order of St. Augustine. 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 conceived of by King Philip II and his architect Juan Bautista de Toledo; subsequently, other architects joined the project, among which Juan de Herrera, Juan de Minjares, Giovanni Battista Castello, the Bergamasco, and Francisco de Mora stand out. At the end of the sixteenth century the monastery was considered the World's Eighth Wonder because of its size, functional complexity and symbolic value.
Our recommendations in El Escorial
Escorial Monastery morning tour and Torres Bermejas flamenco show
Visit El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen accompanied by a tour guide. Enjoy a live flamenco show in the famous Torres Bermejas Tabao 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
Get all the best information for a full day Toledo and Royal Monastery of El Escorial tour from Madrid and book your tickets, skipping the line, at official rates. Get informed, plan your trip and book tickets and tours of Madrid.
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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 Torres Bermejas flamenco show
Visit El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen accompanied by a tour guide. Enjoy a live flamenco show in the famous Torres Bermejas Tabao 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.
en, es
Toledo and the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen tour from Madrid
Get all the best information for a full day Toledo and Royal Monastery of El Escorial tour from Madrid and book your tickets, skipping the line, at official rates. Get informed, plan your trip and book tickets and tours of Madrid.
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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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Explore Madrid at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
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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
