After leaving Chinchon, we headed to our 2nd stop of the day. El Escorial or as it is officially called, the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. By this time, the temperature had climbed to the high 30's and the walk across the large open square in front of the Palace felt like a km long. Or maybe that was the previously mentioned anis?
Let's travel back in time to the reign of Philip II. With an area of 33,327 square metres (so big), it's located on the southern slope of Mt Abantos at an altitude of 1028m in the Sierra del Guadarrama. It's been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2 November 1984, so another one of those ticked off the list.
Built between 1563 and 1584 by order of King Philip II (who reigned 1556–1598), El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world and functions as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital. Busy place - although not so busy on this particularly hot day. No Royal family members spotted in attendance.
Our tour included entry and once again was tour guide was excellent as she walked us around the different areas. The place is massive and very opulent. The whole complex looks like it was designed by a very serious architect whose instruction were, “Make it majestic,” and he did. Lot's of gold, paintings, tapestries (because all palaces must have tapestries and I must say it using a Sean Connery accent) and velvet.
The library is a masterpiece, full of ancient books arranged so beautifully that I instantly felt guilty for still not having read Don Quixote. I was half expecting a monk to glide past and say, “what you still haven't read that damn thing?”
Then there’s the Pantheon of Kings, it feels like you're in a historical documentary being commented on by a man with David Attenbourough's voice, but with a Spanish accent.
Outside, the gardens are perfectly manicured, although after the very hot summer we are having, some of the hedges are looking a little crisp. Also, it has now hit 40 degrees, so not much time spent admiring the crispy hedges.
it's a very impressive building. But one must ask who pays for the upkeep and heating bills?
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