Philip II’s Seat is Located in the lush Herrería Forest, this legendary natural viewpoint provides the most iconic panoramic views of the El Escorial Monastery. Tradition holds that King Philip II used this granite vantage point to oversee the progress of the monastery's construction. Today, it remains a symbol of the deep connection between the Spanish Monarchy and the landscape of the Guadarrama Mountains, making it a must-visit spot for hikers and history enthusiasts seeking the best photography location in the region.
Seat of Philip II
The Seat of Philip II is a set of stepped platforms and other elements carved into a granite rock outcrop, known as Canto Gordo, located at the foot of Las Machotas, near San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
It has traditionally been believed that this place served as an observatory for King Philip II during the construction of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo, which lasted from 1563 to 1584.
However, the most widely held theory today, supported by archaeological findings in the area, suggests that it is an ancient sacrificial altar of the Vetton, a pre-Roman people who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula. This hypothesis is based on the similarities with other altars, such as the sanctuaries of Ulaca or Panóias, and on the discovery of an anthropomorphic figure and other smaller altars in its vicinity.
The site is located in the Paraje Pictoresco del Pinar de Abantos and Zona de La Herrería, a protected natural area of great ecological and scenic value, about 2.5 kilometres south of the town centre of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. At its feet lies the forest of La Herrería, made up mostly of oaks or holm oaks, although there are also other tree species such as the Montpellier maple, the wild cherry, the linden and the chestnut. A specimen of Montpellier maple, located in the grounds of the Silla de Felipe II, is catalogued as a Singular Tree by the Community of Madrid, with more than 10 metres in height.
The Seat of Philip II is a very popular tourist destination thanks to its panoramic views of the Monastery of El Escorial and its surroundings, where we also find the hermitage of the Virgen de Gracia. In addition, the natural setting in which it is located offers the possibility of taking various hiking routes and enjoying nature.
Photo: Seat of Philip II
Photo: View of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
How to reach Philip II’s Seat (Silla de Felipe II)
How to reach Philip II’s Seat (Silla de Felipe II)
Philip II’s Seat is located on the outskirts of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, set within an easily accessible natural environment.
- Access on foot from the Monastery: One of the most popular walking routes starts near the El Escorial Monastery. The trail follows well-marked paths and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your starting point.
- Access by car: You can also reach the area by car via the designated parking zones near the viewpoint. From there, it is just a few minutes' walk to reach Philip II’s Seat.
Hiking Route and Experience in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Visiting Philip II’s Seat: Nature and Heritage in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Visiting Philip II’s Seat (Silla de Felipe II) is one of the top-rated experiences in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It perfectly combines easy hiking, historical heritage, and one of the best viewpoints in the Guadarrama Mountains. This landmark is an ideal addition to a day trip from Madrid or a visit to the El Escorial Monastery.
- A Scenic and Short Hiking Route Access to Philip II’s Seat is via a low-to-medium difficulty hiking trail, perfect for most visitors and families. The route winds through Mediterranean forests and stone paths, offering progressive views of the El Escorial Monastery as you ascend. It is one of the most popular trails in the region due to its seamless blend of nature and history.
- Panoramic Views of the Royal Site of El Escorial Once at the top, the experience focuses on the breathtaking panoramic view of the Royal Site of El Escorial. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the historical relationship between the landscape, the Monastery’s architecture, and the territorial design shaped by the Spanish Monarchy. It is highly recommended at sunset for the exceptional light quality and the vastness of the views.
- Connecting Your Visit in San Lorenzo de El Escorial A visit to Philip II’s Seat can easily be combined with other must-see sights in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, such as the El Escorial Monastery, the Casita del Infante, or the historic gardens. This allows travelers to design a complete cultural and natural itinerary just a short distance from Madrid.
