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Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Spain  /  Community of Madrid  /  San Lorenzo de El Escorial  /  Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, San Lorenzo de El Escorial

4.6
#1 of 23 in Things to do in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Must see · World heritage site · Historic Site · Church
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A historical residence of the King of Spain and monastery built in the 1500s, Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial contains the palace of Philip II, where you can see the king’s study and the bedroom where he died. Take it in first from the outside, as you wander through the Courtyard of Kings and Garden of the Friars. Inside, paintings adorn the Hall of Battles, telling the stories of some of Spain’s most important military victories. Descend into the Pantheon of the Kings to discover the burial site for most Spanish monarchs of the last five centuries. Don’t miss the library’s vaulted ceiling, with frescoes depicting the seven liberal arts. Put Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial at the forefront of your travel plans using our San Lorenzo de El Escorial attractions planner.
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Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,370 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • A bit of a walk uphill from the train station. We ordered our tickets and audio guide on line in advance and there are luggage lockers which are useful given you cannot take photos. El Escorial or... 
    A bit of a walk uphill from the train station. We ordered our tickets and audio guide on line in advance and there are luggage lockers which are useful given you cannot take photos. El Escorial or...  more »
  • Magnificent. Don't miss it if you pass through the area. Hundreds of years of history and artefacts to measure. Here is the pantheon of the kings of Spain and of course the chambers of the kings... 
    Magnificent. Don't miss it if you pass through the area. Hundreds of years of history and artefacts to measure. Here is the pantheon of the kings of Spain and of course the chambers of the kings...  more »
Google
  • Paid 6€ with student reduced price. Totally worth it. Took me around 2 hours to get through the entire site. No photos allowed inside. Favorite part was the magnificent basilica found inside El Escorial. It is very similar to an art museum experience plus the rooms are ornate. The gardens are not particularly special, but they are well kept. Makes for a great day trip from Madrid.
  • I did this in two stages. I walked around the village the night before as well as the outside while it is quieter. It is worth getting a guided tour as there is so much to see and it is easy to miss out whole sections. There are no photos allowed on the inside but plenty of illustrated books are available. Be prepared to spend at least three hours here and consider a trip to the controversial valley of the fallen just 20 minutes away while you are in the area.

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