El Escorial Monastery and Site

El Escorial Monastery and Site

The El Escorial Monastery was built in the late 16th century, nestled in the picturesque region of Castile. The entire structure is designed in a rectangular grid pattern, a design meant to commemorate Saint Lawrence, the Christian martyr who was tortured to death on such a grid-like instrument. This austere and radically different architectural style influenced Spain for over half a century. It was also once the retreat of a mysterious king. By the later years of Philip II’s reign, it had become the center of the most powerful political force of the time.

The full name of the El Escorial Monastery is the Royal Monastery of Saint Lawrence of El Escorial. Located on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, about 50 kilometers northwest of Madrid, Spain, it is one of the largest and most beautiful religious buildings in the world. Although called a monastery, it is in fact an enormous complex that combines the functions of a monastery, palace, mausoleum, church, library, charitable institution, seminary, and school. Majestic and awe-inspiring, it houses masterpieces by Europe’s great artists and is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Foreign Name: Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid

Must-visit Reason: One of the largest and most beautiful religious buildings in the world

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Spain[Spain]

Province/State: Autonomous Community of Madrid [Madrid Autonomous Community]