Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tel:
91 890 53 13
Hours:
October-March: 1000-1800 Tuesday-Sunday; April-September:
1000-2000 Tuesday-Sunday
Notes:
The rail station is about 1 mile from town. Taxis are to the left of the station
exit. A taxi ride to the town square or the tourist office costs about €3. Buses are
also available that will take you to the town square.
El Escorial is the name of the village and the immense palace-monastery, both
havens of Phillip II, who personally supervised construction of the monumental
structure to commemorate his victory over France at St. Quentin in 1557. Part
monastery, part palace, part cathedral, El Escorial reflects its builder's vanity. The
monastery and palace are open 1000 to 1800 in summer, until 1700 in winter;
closed on Monday.
El Escorial encompasses 8 acres and has 9 towers, 16 courtyards, 86 stair-
cases, 1,200 doors, and 2,673 leaded-glass windows. A force of 1,500 laborers
worked 21 years to complete it. Wear your best pair of walking shoes—you'll need
them.
The
Hall of Battles
epitomizes Spain's aggressive history in paintings by Italian
artists Castello, Grenello, and Tavorone. Priceless artworks by Borsch, Rem-
brandt, Tintoretto, and Titian are also displayed throughout the palace. Tapestries
of Spanish country life woven from sketches drawn by Goya also hang on the
walls.
Prior to mounting the Armada against England, King Phillip tried to bring England
into the Spanish empire by marrying Mary Tudor, known as “Bloody Mary” for her
overzealous persecution of English Protestants. Forty years later, just before his
death, Phillip had become a religious fanatic. He returned to the palace to live as
though in poverty in a sparse second-floor apartment, which provides stark con-
trast to its surroundings—one of the grandest palaces in Europe.
Two other attractions of interest are the
Casita del Principe
(the Prince's Cot-
tage), which you pass en route to the station, and
Casita de Arriba,
a hunting
lodge 2 miles farther on. Both are open 1000 to 1800 (1700 in winter); closed on
Monday. Both were constructed by Charles III (1759-1788). His friendship with
France and hostility toward Great Britain led to the alliance in support of the Amer-
ican Revolution.
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