The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, just 50 km from Madrid, is one of the most impressive and emblematic monuments of Spain, symbol of Spanish power during the sixteenth century. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 and for many years was considered the eighth wonder of the world. The monastery was built by Felipe II to house the remains of his parents and to commemorate his first victory in his reign, The Battle of San Quintín. Inside we will admire the Palacio de los Austrias, royal residence during the stays of Felipe II; the Panteón de Los Reyes e Infantes, which hosts urns with the remains of 26 kings and queens of Spain; the Salas Capitulares, paintings by Velázquez, Tiziano and Tintoretto; the Claustro de los Cuatro Evangelistas, a garden courtyard at the center of which stands a magnificent small temple; and the Basílica, where we can contemplate paintings by Ribera, El Greco, or Tiziano. To conclude the visit, we will relax strolling through the gardens surrounding the monastery, of neoclassical inspiration, amongst which stands out the Jardín de los Frailes.
