In 1557, after the battle of St Quentin in which the French army was defeated, Phillip II commissioned the Monastery to be built. He was looking for a mausoleum for his father and a place he could retire to. In the 18th century Charles III enlarged the Monastery since the royal family's guests increased in number as time went by and their visits got longer each time. As from the 19th century respected families from Madrid also spent their summers at the monastery.

Nowadays visitors can go and admire the paintings and sculptures made by famous artists, such as Tizziano, El Greco, Veronese and Lucas Jordán. The building itself with its 18th century furnishings and wall and ceiling paintings is also worthwhile having a look at.

Direction: Pº José Antonio, San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Be sure not to miss out on seeing this unique and enchanting Monastery while on your Spanish Language Trip to Madrid.