El Escorial was built by King Philip II in the late 16th century to serve as both a royal palace and as the seat of the Catholic Church in Spain. In addition to the palace the complex includes a basilica, a convent, a school, a library, and a pantheon.

While El Escorial is impressive from the outside, we actually found it a little austere on the inside. In many ways it felt more like a fine art museum than a typically elaborate European palace (such as Versailles). That said, there are some impressive sights, including works by El Greco, Bernini, and Giardini. The library was also quite beautiful, with richly carved wood shelves, a marble floor, and a colorful fresco ceiling by Pellegrino Tibaldi.

For me, the highlight of the tour was the 180ft long (55m) Hall of Battles – a barrel-vaulted room where the walls were completely covered in frescos depicting Spain's military victories over the Moors and the French. All aspects of the battle field were portrayed (when you have 180ft, that is quite doable), and the artist employed an interesting trick whereby the more distant, smaller scenes were less saturated, and the background mountains and landscape were set in hues of blue.

Overall I'd say El Escorial is worth a visit, but you probably won't need more than a couple of hours to enjoy it.

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Our top choices for El Escorial 2-star hotels

Single Room, Shared Bathroom | View from room

Hospedería Santa Cruz

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

GILBERT

AED 251 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Feb - 23 Feb

Buffet breakfast on weekdays (EUR 14 per person)

Hotel Villa Odón

Villaviciosa de Odon

Luciano Duval

Double Room, 2 Twin Beds, Balcony | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Hostal Lady Ana Maria

La Estación

Stephen

AED 285 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Feb - 27 Feb

Hostal la Chata by Vivere Stays

La Granja de San Ildefonso

robert

Desk, free cribs/infant beds, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Hostal Asador Julian Brunete

Brunete

Jafar

AED 351 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Feb - 24 Feb

L Casa Cafe Madrid El plantio

Moncloa-Aravaca

Luisa

AED 541 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Feb - 23 Feb

Hostal Siete Picos

El Espinar

MAURICIO

HOSTAL CORPER NAVALCARNERO

Navalcarnero

Raul

AED 278 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Mar - 3 Mar

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Hotel Pax Torrelodones

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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Learn more about El Escorial

The imposing Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial showcases Spain's imperial past with its grand architecture and priceless art collections. Explore the historic university town's charming plazas and cafés, then hike nearby Mount Abantos for spectacular views of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

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