Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

The small village of El Escorial would see its destiny change in 1563, when Philip II began to build the future monastery and created, around it, the Royal Site of El Escorial, a royal territory, a legal name that designates a territory directly dependent on the monarch.

Did you know that a medieval legend says that on the site of the monastery there was nothing more and nothing less than a door to hell? A nearby mine, with deep and dark galleries, was the origin of this local legend.

In any case, El Escorial would go from being a quiet Castilian village to being among the fundamental places of universal history. Not in vain, the great Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, has been called the “eighth wonder of the world”. This great ship, with up to 4,000 rooms!, is the largest granite building in the world. It is known throughout the world for its particular Herrerian architecture, indebted to Juan de Herrera, who finished its construction after the death of its original architect, Juan Bautista de Toledo.

Have you noticed that the monastery, seen from above, is shaped like a grill? A legend says that this shape pays homage to the saint, San Lorenzo, who was burned to death on a grill. There has also been a lot of similarity found with the plan of the Temple of Solomon. Perhaps the grandeur of the biblical temple inspired Philip II?

Whatever the case, the inspiration from other great references does not end there. The so-called “King’s Room”, the place where Philip II lived and died, has views of the church chapel, so that the monarch could attend the liturgy from his bed when he was ill. The layout of this room is identical to the bedroom of Charles V, Philip II’s father, in the monastery of Yuste. The monarch could also see the presbytery of his chapel, and he also reigned from that room and died in it.

Another place that cannot go unnoticed is the monastery's great library. It houses around 45,000 copies, but not just any kind. The room contains a huge collection of magic, esotericism and occultism. Also theology, hermeticism and natural sciences. In addition, King Philip II ordered the creation of several horoscopes, a job entrusted to Matías Haco Sumbergense, and the library preserves precisely what was his official horoscope, called "Prognosticon".

In general, symbology is present throughout the monastery. From religious iconography, astrological or astronomical symbology, to a collection of 7,000 relics that are estimated to be preserved within the building. In the monastery's dining room, a solar meridian can be seen, with astrological signs that divide the different months of the year in the room.

Also in the monastery, the Royal Crypt is a true pantheon of kings. There you will find the tombs of the Bourbon and Austrian monarchs who died after the date of its construction, except for Philip V, who rests a few kilometres away, in La Granja de San Ildefonso, as well as Ferdinand VI, who is in the Reales Salesas.

Outside the monastery, another point of interest is the Chair of Philip II, sculpted in granite, a place from which, according to tradition, the monarch observed the progress of the monastery's works. A study of this stone has revealed, however, that its origin could be much earlier. It has similarities with other constructions, such as the sanctuaries of Ulaca and Panóias, related to the Vettones, who populated the area. In particular, the monarch's "chair" is reminiscent of an altar of sacrifice!

Time has passed but the majesty of this place remains. Today, the City Council offers themed urban routes that will take you through its great historical legacy. You can sign up for a 16th century route to explore the corners and points of interest of that time, or an 18th century route if you prefer the enlightened period. You will discover unique buildings, such as the Casa de Jacometrezzo, standing since 1584, the oldest house in the area!

You will also discover other curiosities of the municipality. For example, the El Plantel neighborhood owes its name directly to the monarch Felipe II, who designed a large plantation in the area of ​​trees such as holm oaks, oaks and chestnuts.

Do you dare to discover all the secrets of the always majestic San Lorenzo de El Escorial?