Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Construction of the palace began in 1563 at the behest of King Philip II of Spain and was completed in 1584. The original plans were drawn by Juan Bautista de Toledo, a student of Michelangelo. After Toledo's death in 1567, Juan de Herrera took over as master builder and significantly shaped the complex's appearance. Philip II governed from here, but his successors used the palace reluctantly, even though court protocol assigned it as their residence. Since 1861, El Escorial has no longer served as a royal residence and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. A Baroque crypt, expanded in 1654, houses the tombs of almost all Spanish kings from Charles I to Alfonso XIII.

The palace is situated in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in the district of Madrid, in the region of Madrid, Spain. It stands at an elevation of approximately 1033 m above sea level.

Visitors can tour the palace today and explore its historic walls. It stands as a significant testament to Spanish Renaissance architecture, offering insights into the country's royal history.

• Palacio Real de El Pardo (Palace), approx. 32.5 km away
• Palacio Real (Royal Palace) (Palace), approx. 41.3 km away
• Catedral de Santa María La Real de La Almudena (Sacred building), approx. 41.5 km away
• Palacio del Buen Retiro (Residence), approx. 43.9 km away