Introduction
The Monastery of El Escorial is one of Spain's most impressive monuments and a symbol of Habsburg power. Built by Philip II between 1563 and 1584, it was designed as a monastery, palace and royal pantheon.
History of the Monastery
Philip II ordered the construction of El Escorial after the victory at Saint Quentin in 1557. The building was conceived as a symbol of the greatness of the Spanish Empire and as a burial place for the Habsburg kings of Spain.
Architecture
El Escorial is an example of the Herrerian style, named after its principal architect Juan de Herrera. It is an imposing rectangular building with four corner towers, combining religious, palatial and funerary functions.
Heritage and Collections
El Escorial houses one of Europe's most important libraries, with medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. It also contains works of art by masters such as El Greco, Titian and Velázquez, testimony to Habsburg cultural patronage.
The Royal Pantheon
El Escorial is the final resting place of all Spanish kings since Charles V, as well as many members of the royal family. It is the burial place of the Spanish Habsburgs and a symbol of their historical legacy.