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Few monuments can define the cultural and ideological aspirations of the Spanish Golden Age as the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery ( Madrid Region - Spain ). This great architectural complex is one of the main monuments of the Spanish Renaissance and symbolises the power and wealth of the key moments in the country's history.
El Escorial has a surface area of 33,327 square metres and is located on the slopes of Mount Abantos, some 50 minutes from the city of Madrid. The beauty of its architecture and the natural surroundings make this complex one of the most famous attractions in Spain. Since 1984, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The history of El Escorial dates back to the 16th century, when Spain was at its turning point. After the Muslims were completely expelled and America was discovered in 1492, the country experienced unprecedented cultural and economic prosperity that produced a period of great artistic development called the Spanish Golden Age.
In this case, King Philip II ordered the construction of the Monastery, for the order of St Jerome. The monastery not only symbolised the strength of his kingdom, but he also planned to use it as a pantheon for his parents, Emperor Charles V and Queen Isabella of Portugal, and their descendants. In this way, the monks could pray for the prayers of the royal family without interruption.
Construction of the complex began in 1562, under the direction of the architect Juan Bautista de Toledo. The last stone was laid in 1584, but various modifications were made to the site over the years by different kings, architects and artists. The complex includes a basilica, library, school, royal palace, monastery and pantheon/crypt.
El Escorial has two royal palaces: Austrias and Bourbons due to the change of Habsburg dynasty to Bourbons, each with its own style. The first palace, a very sober and austere structure, was built on the east façade, and from 1586 it housed the kings. In this palace you can find the Gallery of the Battles, in a room decorated in its walls and vault, with frescos, representing the military achievements of Spain, historical narration destined to exalt the king Felipe II and his victories.
The Patio de los Reyes is one of the most representative and beautiful places of the Monastery. Inside you can find the church whose facade is decorated with sculptures of the kings of Isabel, who give their name to the courtyard.
In the Basilica the kings of Spain are commemorated, and besides having a remarkable facade, the interior has frescos by Luca Cambiaso or paintings by Juan Gómez or Diego de Urbina among others.
Inside the Basilica, the Capilla Mayor stands out above all, where you can admire Luca Cambiaso's fresco of La coronación de la Virgen. We can also find here representations of the kings Carlos V and Felipe II in a praying attitude together with the rest of their families.
The Pantheon of the Kings is located under the High Altar and here we find the crypt where the kings and queens of Spain are buried; with exceptions such as Felipe V or Fernando VI, who for various reasons did not want to be buried in the Monastery.
The Royal Library of El Escorial is another of the emblematic places of the Monastery. In addition to finding priceless books, the paintings on the vault, by Peregrin de Peregrini and Incola Granello, date from between 1588 and 1592.
Another of the most outstanding places in the Escorial Monastery is the Evangelists' Courtyard. This is an interior cloister designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo with a small temple by Juan de Herrera and Renaissance decoration by Luca Giordano.
