San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain

First view of San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery 

There is an endless and continuous heat wave that has been surrounding, engulfing and bearing down on Spain. The locals are calling it 'summer'. The air is dry, arid and strong hot winds blow across the road surface like heat gushing out of an oven when you open to check on a roast chicken.

West view of the Monastery

The heat brings drowsiness and a serious lack of motivation to accomplish anything. Everyday the what was once, 'fun' Spanish culture is beginning to transition, from seemingly strange to vital... and we are fully into this daily siesta thing!

We rise early and join the mass movement of locals walking around the neighbouring park, taking advantage of the coolest time of the day when you can still breathe properly. John heads of to school and then Kara heads back to bed. As each hour progresses and the temperatures rapidly increase, heat begins to start rising from the pavement. From 1pm the streets begin to empty and no one dares venture out. For it's the time to find somewhere cool enough that you can uncomfortably doze off. 

Timed selfie! North side of the Monastery 

However as much as we try and be locals, we will always still take the chance to play tourist! With hope in our hearts after a cooler 38 degree Friday, we woke on Saturday to a blissful morning, a little cloudy and great opportunity to head out of the city on an adventure to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. With one more week of school and a schedule chocker block full of exams John opted to stay with his books; so Kara ventured off! 

Located 45 kilometers North West of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama mountains is the small royal township of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Construction of what is the Royal Monastery, Palace, School and Museum begun in 1563 directed by King Phillip II from the inexhaustible pockets of New World gold. Originally commissioned as part of a reaction of the Protestant reformation, the enormous complex has become one of the most important examples of Renaissance history. Although parts of the building decorated by famous artists such as Zuccaro, Tibaldi, Monegro, El Bosco, Goya and Cambiaso succumbed to fires and pillages, the interior which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries has remained its original character. Additionally as a tribute, the monastery is home to a large collection of renaissance artworks.

Pantheon of Kings
(Photo from juliapgelardi.wordpress.com)

Since its completion the grand estate has also been used as a burial site for most of the Spanish Kings and Queens and their consorts in the last five centuries. The Pantheon of Kings tucked down beneath the floor of the great Basilica was definitely one of the most incredible areas of the Monastery.

Additional rooms, adorned in gold plating and simple white marble hold further vaults of the Prince's and Princess, nestled carefully into the walls.


Taking the 661 bus from Moncloa bus station, there was ample opportunity to read up on the history of the area and watch as we quickly traversed into hectares of olive groves. After arriving and a quick toilet break, the first stop was up to the Monastery.

The Queen's garden view Northward

Standing grand and strong on the hillside the large quad shaped, granite Monastery has a foreboding presence that overpowers the landscape and shadows the small village which surrounds it. With a sense of having gone back in time I quickly picked up my tickets and wandered in. Once inside there are several main rooms and exhibits you walk through, such as; the Hall of Battles, the basilica of San Lorenzo el Real, the Architectural Museum, the Library, and art gallery and the Pantheon of Kings.

There is a very strict policy on behaviour which also forbid photographs. However, I very sneakily was able to use my phone to quickly capture some of the most beautiful and intricate frescos! Such as the amazing fresco below in the Hall of Battles which depict Spanish battles including: campaigns with the French, victory over the Moors and at the end battles of Portuguese Islands.

Frescos in the Hall of Battles 

With shame, these photos can only give a small snapshot of the absolute beauty and size of the Monastery ~ The last area I visited was the Library and it was so magnificent, with bright frescos adorning the high roof that you feel as small as an ant looking up and constantly craning your neck. Over 40,000 old and rare gold sheet books line the walls carefully placed behind glass adding a sense of wisdom and tranquility to the room.

Monastery Library 

Looking up! The main stair way! 

The Queen's garden and views southward

As the hunger in my stomach began to grumble and realising I had been exploring the complex for over three hours I ventured outside again.

Although I was hungry, I was immediately attracted by the Queen's gardens which had been visible earlier from within the Palace. After having a solid look around I decided here was a perfect place to enjoy my little packed picnic! After locating a large, sturdy olive tree I plonked down and just sat quietly.

Later on I plodded around the small village and took more photos of the Monastery.

It was a fabulous day trip out of Madrid and I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Thankfully the weather was just bearable.

Tot Siens,
John and Kara

North side of the Monastery 

Patio de los Reyes
(The King's courtyard)