It is located in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, just 50 kilometres from Madrid. It was Philip II who ordered the construction of the monastery to guarantee the eternal memory of his family, to found a dynastic pantheon and to compensate for the destruction of a church dedicated to San Lorenzo during the battle of San Quintín, in France.

On 23 April 1563, the foundation stone was laid under the supervision of Juan Bautista de Toledo. When the latter died in 1567, Juan de Herrera took over the work, imprinting the particular architectural stamp of the so-called «Herrerian» style. 

Throughout the year it receives many visits from tourists, who can visit places such as the Kings’ Courtyard, the Basilica, the Library, the Kings’ Pantheon, the Infants’ Pantheon, the Palaces, and the Chapter Rooms, among other spaces.

In the surroundings of the Monastery we can find beautiful gardens such as the Jardín de los Frailes, which houses a Convalescents’ Gallery, and the Jardines del Rey, which is separated from the Jardín de los Frailes by stone enclosures. 

Enjoy this place with tours like this Private 8-hour Tour of Madrid + Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen.