What is San Lorenzo de El Escorial known for?

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The Escorial is a vast building complex located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid, in central Spain. The building is the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance. Construction of El Escorial began in 1563 and ended in 1584.

Why is it called El Escorial?

The new monastery, which received its foundation charter in 1567, was named San Lorenzo el Real del Escorial, after St Lawrence of Rome, a martyr of supposed Hispanic origin, and was intended to serve as the royal pantheon.

Who built Escorial?

Juan Bautista de Toledo
One of the largest religious establishments in the world (about 675 by 528 feet [206 by 161 metres]), El Escorial was begun in 1563 by Juan Bautista de Toledo, a Renaissance Spanish architect who had worked earlier in Italy, and was completed after his death in 1567 by Juan de Herrera.

Who lived in a palace called the Escorial?

To the 16th-century contemporaries of Spain’s Philip II, it was known as the eighth wonder of the world, the severe and dramatic explication of Philip II’s personal ideology.

Why is Escorial important?

The Escorial was commissioned by Philip II in 1563 to commemorate the defeat of the French at the Battle of St Quentin on the day of San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence, August 10, 1557). Important, too, it fulfilled the wishes of Philip’s father, Charles V, for the construction of a royal mausoleum/ burial place.

Is El Escorial worth visiting?

If you’re visiting Madrid, you should definitely set aside half a day to discover San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It’s an essential visit. The Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with secrets from the history of Spain hidden inside. Also, the town itself is charming, and surrounded by beautiful scenery.

How long did it take to build El Escorial?

21 years
By 1563 the first stone had been laid and it took only 21 years for the Escorial to be completed. The building was designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo, a prominent Renaissance architect who had spent much time in Italy but who sadly did not live to see the completion of the project.

What is inside El Escorial?

The Royal Pantheon contains the tombs of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (who ruled Spain as King Charles I), Philip II, Philip III, Philip IV, Charles II, Louis I, Charles III, Charles IV, Ferdinand VII, Isabella II, Alfonso XII, and Alfonso XIII.

Where are the Spanish royals buried?

Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial
NARRATOR: For centuries the kings of Spain governed the most powerful stronghold of Catholicism in Europe. The final resting place for most of these rulers is the imposing Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, in central Spain.

Can you take photos in El Escorial?

over a year ago. Sorry but no photographs allowed inside the Monastery. It was strictly prohibited. We were only allowed to take photos of the garden from the inside.

How long does it take to tour El Escorial?

The monastery is vast and has many room, gardens, chapels, etc. You can easily spent 3-4 hours depending on your interest.

How many rooms does El Escorial have?

El Escorial is the 29th largest palace in the World! This complex contains 16 inner courtyards, 4,000 rooms, 1,200 doors, 2,675 windows, 24 kilometers (15 miles) of passageways, 86 staircases, 73 sculptures and 88 fountains.