El Escorial

monastery and historical residence of the King of Spain

El Escorial is a famous royal site in Spain. It was built in the late 1500s. El Escorial is a monastery, a royal palace, a museum and a school. It is located about 45 km (28 mi) northwest of the Spanish capital, Madrid, in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Five miles from the main building is a hunting lodge called Granjilla de La Fresneda, which is also part of the Escorial.

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
A distant view of the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
LocationSan Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
Coordinates40°35′20″N 4°08′52″W / 40.58889°N 4.14778°W / 40.58889; -4.14778
ArchitectJuan Bautista de Toledo
Governing bodyMinistry of the Presidency
Official name: Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid
TypeCultural
Criteriai, ii, iv
Designated1984 (8th session)
Reference no.318
State Party Spain
RegionEurope and North America
Official name: Monasterio de San Lorenzo
TypeReal property
CriteriaMonument
Designated3 June 1931
Reference no.(R.I.) - 51 - 0001064 - 00000
El Escorial is located in Community of Madrid
El Escorial
Location of Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Community of Madrid

Architecture change

The building was designed by the architect Juan Bautista de Toledo to the plans of King Philip II. El Escorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a very popular tourist attraction.

El Escorial was one of 100 finalists for the 12 Treasures of Spain in 2007.[1]

References change

  1. "Lista de 100 finalistas de Nuestros 12 Tesoros de España". Sobreturismo.es. 2007-11-27. Retrieved 2014-10-06.

Other websites change