El Escorial is a great place to visit if you are looking for a day trip outside of Madrid. Located about 45 minutes northwest of Madrid, the Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a royal site that functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum and school.
The monastery was commissioned by Felipe II in 1563 and was completed in just 21 years. It contains the Panteón de los Reyes (Royal Pantheon), which is the burial site for most of the Spanish kings of the last five centuries.
You can also visit the Royal Library that houses a priceless collection of 60,000 volumes, the Philip II Apartments, and the Basilica of San Lorenzo el Real. For more information from the tourist office of San Lorenzo, click here.
For information on taking a private tour from Madrid to visit El Escorial, click here.
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information, click here.
Photo credit: Patrimonio Nacional
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.