Weekend Getaway to El Escorial!

1. Why visiting El Escorial?

It’s impressive monastery was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982.

Enjoy nature in the heart of the Guadarrama mountain, only 50 kilometres from Madrid!

It offers a wide variety of natural hikes and cultural tours!

Keep reading to discover the TOP 3 things you can’t miss in El Escorial!

2. What you can´t miss!

2.1 Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial)

Its a monastery of impressive dimensions built by Felipe II by the end of 1562 to commemorate the battle of San Quintín.

The King himself kept a close watch of the progress of the project, and invited the best artists of that time to contribute!

Its highlights include the Basílica monumental, the Panteón Real (where you can see the tombs of Spanish monarchs of the houses of Austria and Bourbon), the Panteón de los Infantes, the Salas capitulares, a library and fascinating patios!

Prices: From 8€ to 10€ or even free. See conditions here:http://www.patrimonionacional.es/Opening hours: From October to March Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00 From April to September Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-20:00

2. What you can´t miss!

It is also known as “the Lower House” and was built by Juan de Villanueva.

Its decoration is of particularly interest, as it is very representative of 18th-century palace art, including: Outstanding tapestries, paintings on

mythological themes, lamps and clocks.

Entrance: €5

2.2 La Casita del Príncipe (The Prince’s House)

3. How to get there?

2.3 Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen)

Only 15 km from El Escorial, this monument was built under dictator Francisco Franco's direction to honor those who had died in the Spanish Civil War. He is also now laid to rest there in the basilica.

The monument precinct covers over 13.6 km2 and includes a basilica, a Benedictine abbey, a guest house, the Valley, and the Juanelos (four monoliths from the 16th century).

3. How to get there?

By public transport:By bus: lines 664 and 661 from the Moncloa

interchange By car:

A-6 Motorway (Madrid-Coruña) to junction 29, M-505 exitA-6 Motorway (Madrid-Coruña) to junction 47, M-600 exit to San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Cercanías train line C-8, Madrid-El Escorial.

AIL Madrid also offers weekend excursions around Madrid and El Escorial is one of them! For more info visit

www.ailmadrid.com