Things to do in San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Have you decided to visit and are wondering what to do in San Lorenzo del Escorial?

Congratulations, this city has a lot to offer tourists. Of all the things to do in San Lorenzo del Escorial, a visit to the Monastery of El Escorial is the most important. The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a complex that includes a royal palace, a basilica, a cemetery, a library, and a monastery. It was built between 1563 and 1584. Because of its size, functional complexity, and its huge symbolic value, it was once considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World and is the most important monument in San Lorenzo del Escorial.

Other places to visit in San Lorenzo del Escorial are the houses of the Prince and Infante, two palaces of the eighteenth century that were built by Juan de Villanueva. Other things to see in San Lorenzo del Escorial are the pleasure pavilions for Carlos IV, then Prince of Asturias, and his brother Infante Gabriel de Bourbon. There are many San Lorenzo del Escorial attractions where you can learn more of its history and legacy. For example there is the Chair of Felipe II, a rock in the middle of the mountain where, as the story goes, the king used to sit and watch the progress of the works of the monastery.

One attraction in San Lorenzo del Escorial remains controversial, as it is one of the most visited in Spain -- the Valley of the Fallen. Also called the Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Cross of the Valley of the Fallen, it was built between 1940 and 1958 on the orders of fascist dictator Francisco Franco. The remains of the dictator and about 34,000 soldiers of the Spanish Civil War, both from the fascist side and the Republican side, are buried there. It is one of the top San Lorenzo del Escorial activities.

Finally, if you are still hunting for more stuff to do in San Lorenzo del Escorial, pay a visit to the city during one of its many festivals, such as the festivities in August or Easter. Enjoying the city and the festive atmosphere during this period is one of the best things to do in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.


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