San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Escorial is also a must see if you're into learning and history, particularly, Spanish history and how it ties into the Philippines' history. After all, "if you know your historeee, then you will know where you're coming from, and you woudent haf to ask me, who da hell do you tink I am?" - Buffalo Soldier (Bob Marley and thee Wailahs) Ahem, back to this UNESCO site, it's about a one hour drive Northwest of Madrid. It was built in the 1500s and of course, there have been several modifications/additions/subtractions. It was originally built to commemorate victories against the French. It was also patterned after King Solomon's temple. I've been to and prayed at the Western Wall (Jerusalem) and coincidentally, you enter Escorial through the Western gate/door. It's a royal palace, a monastery, a basilica, a pantheon (burial site), a church, a library, a teaching institution, we could go on and on. It also has a garden but it doesn't come close to Palais de Versailles' sprawling gardens. I don't think Escorial's garden even eclipses the gardens of Chateaus Chenonceau or Amboise. But it's definitely a doable half-day trip to see this beautiful site. There's a great attention to detail and plenty to learn as you go from room to room. It's also the royal burial site for Spain's kings and queens, at least for the past five, yes 5 centuries. I was able to snap a pic of King Phillip II's tomb - The Philippines was named after him so I was sorta blown away. No pics are allowed here but I couldn't resist....shame on me.... Make sure you go on a guided tour or you won't make the best of your time. I liked that after the drive back to Madrid, it was a perfect time to have lunch and tapas.

Laid prostrate at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama bathed in the warm glow of the Spanish sun, this simple yet historically rich 16th century palace/monastery beckons both tourists and locals alike to lose themselves within its seemingly austere stone walls. To describe this place would be wrong as I would surely but unintentionally omit a special detail or two. From a beautiful library and basilica to its original intent as a mausoleum, there's so much to see and experience. Therefore, enjoy the pictures and allow me to provide a short list of relevant tidbits. - We took our time and saw everything, which took about 2.5 hours. - Let's talk handicap access. The entrance and floor level is handicap accessible; however, there is no access for the deep portions of the tour such as the mausoleum and crypt. There is a way to access the library but I'm not sure how. - This tour is a lot of walking with many steep staircases. Elderly people may have an issue given their maneuverability. - Tickets are 14€ for an adult and 7€ for kids. - There is a nice parking garage near by called Aparcamiento Monasterio that charges about 3€ an hour. - They offer an audio tour guide that we did not partake in but I hear it's mediocre. Overall, it's an amazing historical site nestled in a quaint little town. Make a day of it and enjoy lunch or dinner after the tour. Enjoy!

This place is beyond amazing. We took a train from madrid to the museum and spent the day exploring each room if this magnificent castle, each room as different as the next. Just the history of buildings like this is something that will never be found or experienced in the United states. The detail in the architecture and the beautiful paintings demonstrating hardship, war, starvation and humanity is so inspiring. It was truly a dream come true to be able to stand in the rooms that so many have stood, lived and died. This place is enormous, so be ready for a whole day of exploration. Also note there are no elevators and plenty of stairs. So this is not a place for the handicapped. Also, photos are not allowed, but I was able to snap a few. There are headphones and an iPad available for self guided tours, both in Spanish and english, which was very helpful.

If you like medieval castles and are a fan of learning about ancient royal families in Spain, the Monavideo is a must-see place. Its a large complex in San Lorenzo, about an hour bus ride from Madrid. Its also a functioning school (elementary school?), monastery (some monks still live here), and cathedral (open to the public). I admit, this was probably my favorite place in Madrid during our tour - we had an awesome tour guide who gave a history lesson with some great humor. Photography is not allowed inside the complex. Highlights of my visit were: A great library with some beautiful frescoes. It was originally supposed to have books on both science and theology. I even saw an ancient book in Arabic explaining the rules of chess! At the entrance was a engraved sign in Latin with the policy on borrowing books: "Taking a book out of the library results in Excommunication." The fine is steep since this means you go to Hell. A marble mausoleum where several centuries of Spanish kings and queens were buried, once going through the 30-yr waiting period in the "decomposition rooms." A grand cathedral inside the complex open to the public. Supposedly you can book it for weddings at a hefty price and wait period. Our tour guide said folks often book first and then look for a spouse - LOL Various art pieces scattered throughout the property, including one by El Greco. The frescoes were most amazing I think - several were painted by a highly productive artist who can dual-wield two brushes.

Fabulous! An amazing experience with an epic exploration of the history of Spanish Kings. Things to know - the gardens are a must - and also the Hall of Battles and Library. The exterior is a massive stone fortress with an inside reminiscent of the Vatican in Rome. A must see if in or nearby Madrid.

Make sure you call to see if it's open after 2 hours in a train and then taking a bus ride to go up that mountain we found out it was close may 24 and 25

This place is enormous. I don't think I can remember anywhere so huge- and because it is made of granite, it looks almost "new". It was the place Phillip II came to die (and you can see the chair in which he was carried to El Excorial from Madrid- soldiers carried him, as he was too sick to ride in a carriage). You will see the library, the church, look out at the gorgeous gardens, see the royal apartments, and the crypt! There is a crypt for the queens of Spain who had no male issue, There is a crypt for the babies. There is a tomb for Don Juan (and what a handsome corpse he must have been- if his marble effigy is a good likeness.) Finally, there is the burial room of the kings of Spain (and one "rex" queen)- along with the queens who gave birth to a king. You'll learn about the rotting room- where the corpses like for around 30 years until they are deemed ready to be sealed in one of the decorative coffins. The monks take care of this- and the monks still live here, their quarters are not part of the tour. You will see amazing art- el Greco, Bosch, a fabulous Cellini Jesus on the cross (one of the most beautiful I have ever seen) and much much more. I hate stairs- and there were a lot here- over a hundred- but it was worth it. I would not have wanted to miss it. No, pictures are not allowed inside- but it's amazing. I will always remember this place. It was totally fascinating. We had a guide- so maybe that made the difference. I'm very glad to have seen this place- it added to my knowledge of Phillip the 2nd and the Hapsburg and Bourbon kings- and I loved the art.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Escorial is full of history, definitely read up on it before your visit. What you do need to know is that it is absolutely gorgeous. You can spend days wondering around here. Things to see: the patio of the kings, the basilica, Palace of Philip II, Hall of Battles, Pantheon of the Kings, Pantheon of the Princes and Gardens of the Friars. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a lot of time to spend here. It will definitely be well worth it. Also the surrounding town is quiet and has nice boutique shops.

IMHO, this can be skipped. With so many beautiful sites to conquer in Spain, don't waste time here. The structure looked cold and imposing, reminiscent of a huge prison. Only the library was intriguing, but then you aren't allowed to take photos inside the building, so you'd better have a good photographic memory. I don't know how other travelers were able to post interior photos here, for every corner I turned, the staff kept repeating, "No photos!" Below, in the mausoleum, it got creepy to be so close to the crypts and being pushed by the crowd. The marbled crypts and resting places for Spain's royals indeed are beautifully constructed, but only if you're into that kind of thing. I still can't understand why photography isn't allowed inside. It isn't even that impressive or pretty. Visited September 2016.

A somewhat interesting but austere palace and basilica. One impression I had of the building and its ceiling painting is an attempt to make one feel small. Photography is not allowed inside the building, which is silly. At 10 Euros for entry and 4 Euros for an audioguide, it is a bit overpriced. The inner chambers of the king and queen were somewhat interesting.

This is a very historical area which is worth seeing if you have a day to kill. In order to get here, if you are a resident in Madrid and have a Metro card (Tarjeta transporte publico) that you are able to utilize to go here for free. There is no need to pay 8 euros if you have this card! There are several ways that you can come here, there are buses and trains going to El Escorial. Once the bus or train leaves you, you will have to take a bus up towards the Escorial since it does not leave you directly, once again you can utilize your card in order to get here. After you arrive, you can decide to walk around and then go here. There are various discounts for all age groups. If you are a student at a university or any academical school, it's best if you bring your ID to get the discount, if so it would only be 5 Euros. Once inside, there are different sections to El Escorial. There is the library, the church, the gardens, the tumbs, etc. It's a good idea to reserve half a day here since there are a lot of details in this building. Once you are inside, you are not allowed to take pictures and there are guards in every other room looking out for people who do.

Incredible! Built in th 16th century by Phillip II, one should spend a lot of time here due to its size and quality, and enjoy the Library, the chambers, the crypt, the Basilica, the Hall of Battles, gardens, etc... One cannot come to Madrid and do not visit it!