El Escorial

The Royal Site of "San Lorenzo de El Escorial", located 50 kilometers north-west of Madrid, was born around the majestic Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, that Spanish King Felipe II ordered to construct in 1561 to commemorate his victory in the battle of San Quintin. The town is located in the skirt of the Abantos mount, in the heart of the mountain chain "Sierra de Guadarrama", which explains its pleasant climate during the months of summer. By its great cultural interest, it is one of the more important tourist centers and of greatest tradition of the Community of Madrid.

The surrounding landscape is pleasant, and during summer the moderate climate provides an escape from Madrid's sometimes stifling temperatures. Other interesting monuments are: "Casita del Infante" or "de arriba" and "Casita del Principe" or "de
abajo", both by Juan de Villanueva, and inside there are a good collections of pictures by Lucas Jordan and Giaquinto; the "Real Coliseo de Carlos III" and the famous "Silla de Felipe II", or"Piedra de la Herreria" , where Phillip II watched the progress of the works. But the best in this town is the superb views and impressive panorama of this landscape.

More information at the following links:

http://www8.madrid.org/gema/goc/131/12/267/index.htm
http://www.patrimonionacional.es/presenta/servicio/bibesc.htm
http://www.sanlorenzodeelescorial.org/
http://www.sanlorenzoturismo.org/