Visit a former Renaissance monastery that King Philip II converted to a tranquil royal resting place
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is also known as Monasterio de El Escorial. Philip II used this royal site for his family mausoleum, and in the past, it was also a monastery and a boarding school.
The abundance of pine trees and surrounding forest makes this a peaceful retreat to Renaissance times, far from the bustling modern norm of Madrid. This historical residence and final resting place of Spain's kings is located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, roughly 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid.