El Escorial
The “eighth wonder of the world”: monastery, palace and symbol of the power of Philip II
The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial—known simply as El Escorial—was built by order of Philip II and constitutes, in many ways, his artistic and political testament. From its origins, it was celebrated as the “eighth wonder of the world”: for its colossal dimensions, the enormous costs of its construction, its austere and almost brutal architecture, and its imposing location at an altitude of over a thousand meters, in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, surrounded by extensive pine forests.
Even today, visitors are amazed by the grandeur of the complex: the basilica, with its monumental proportions; the Royal Apartments, offering a glimpse into the monarch’s daily life; the extraordinary library; and the awe-inspiring Pantheon of the Kings, the final resting place of the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties.
A guided tour of El Escorial is much more than a visit to one of Europe’s most extraordinary monumental complexes. It also offers a unique opportunity to explore the private world of King Philip II and discover the lesser-known side of a monarch shaped by faith, power, and an unwavering commitment to order. All this in an exceptional natural setting, just 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Madrid.
EXTENDED TOUR
· Duration: approx. 8 hours (incl. round trip from Madrid)
Group price (1–6 people): €300 (Monday to Friday), €320 (weekends and public holidays). Admission to the monument (€14) and round-trip train or bus tickets (approx. €8) are not included.
· Recommended itinerary: Atocha Railway Station / Moncloa Transport Hub – commuter train (Cercanías) or bus to El Escorial (approx. 1 hour) – walk to the Monastery (approx. 20 minutes from the railway station or 5 minutes from the bus station) – guided tour of the Monastery (Courtyard of the Kings, Library, Basilica, painting collection featuring works by El Greco and other masters, Pantheon of the Princes, Pantheon of the Kings, the King’s Apartments and the Queen’s Apartments) – optional free time in the town for a coffee – walk back to El Escorial Railway Station or the bus station – return to Madrid (Atocha Railway Station / Moncloa Transport Hub).
