What to see in El Escorial
What to see in San Lorenzo del Escorial?
It is important to differentiate between San Lorenzo de El Escorial and El Escorial, two villages practically united but different. The first is the one that houses the Royal Monastery, developed throughout the eighteenth century, and the second is earlier, being a primitive village that already existed at the time of the construction of the Royal Monastery and where the train station is located.
One of the best day trips from or around Madrid is to visit the famous Madrid or surroundings is to visit the famous Royal Monastery that Felipe II ordered to build almost 500 years ago. We tell you what to see and visit in San Lorenzo de El Escorial in an easy way: addresses, schedules, telephone numbers for tickets, etc...
Escorial Monastery
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the most visited places in the entire Community of Madrid, being a Historic-Artistic Monument since 1931 and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1984. That is nothing.
This monastery was commissioned by Philip II, the second monarch of the Habsburg dynasty in our country, to commemorate the victory of San Quintín, which took place on the day of San Lorenzo in 1557. Likewise, the Monastery would serve as a place of eternal rest for his parents, as well as for himself and all subsequent generations of monarchs. A place with very deep religious notations, a mirror of the era in which it was built.
Specifically, it was completed in 1584, after more than 20 years of construction. In its early years, the Royal Monastery was isolated in the middle of the mountain, with only a few buildings nearby, such as the Casa de Oficios, which served the monastery. It was not until the reign of Charles III, in the second half of the 18th century, when it was extended into a small courtly village that we know today as the town of San Lorenzo del Escorial.
For the visit to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance on special days such as weekends. To do so, it is enough to do it through the National Heritage websiteThis is the organization in charge of the royal buildings. Photographs are forbidden inside.
The schedule varies in a couple of hours between summer and winter, being the most advisable to confirm it on the website that we have linked. Generally, they are closed on Mondays. Similarly, on Wednesdays and Sundays between 15 and 18h the entrance is free. The price of the current entrance is 12 €.
Address: Av Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, s/n, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid
Hours: 10am-18pm (Monday closed)
Telephone: 918 90 59 02
Garden of the Friars
Of the four sides of the Royal Monastery, the north and west facades are flanked by the Lonja, the large paved space we see upon arrival. The other two sides face directly onto the Jardín de los Frailes, a haven of peace with terraced gardens in the Italian style of the time.
The visit to this area is free and free of charge, having to enter through the southwest corner, before accessing the Adolfo Suarez Park. From inside, you can see the whole area of the Bosque de la Herrería, and you can even see Madrid and the Cuatro Torres in the distance.
The opening hours of this area are from 10 am to 6 pm every day.
Address: In the Monastery of El Escorial
Hours: 10am-18pm
Phone: 918 90 59 02
Casita del Príncipe and its gardens
Between the Royal Monastery and the neighboring town of El Escorial is the park and gardens of the Casita del Príncipe. These gardens, as well as the building that gives them their name, are also managed by Patrimonio Nacional. Another haven of peace in which to stroll.
La Casita del Príncipe was built by Charles III so that his son Charles IV, then still Prince of Asturias, could enjoy a private place to spend time in retirement, out of the spotlight of the palace and his royal duties.
Although it is normally possible to visit its interior (highly recommended), it is currently closed temporarily due to the pandemic situation. In the Heritage website you can find all the updated information, including the opening hours of the park, which is usually open from 10h to 18-20h depending on the time of the year.
Address: Av. de los Reyes Católicos, 28280 El Escorial, Madrid
Hours: 10am-18pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: 918 90 59 02
Craftsmen's Houses
In front of the north façade of the Royal Monastery, where the entrance is located, three almost identical houses can be seen: the Casas de Oficios. The first two (the one located further east and the central one) were built in the sixteenth century to accommodate palatial dependencies, while the third was built in the eighteenth century under the reign of Charles III, in order to accommodate the First Secretary of State.
At present, the first of them houses the Casa de Cultura, with highly recommended exhibitions (accessible from Floridablanca Street) and the Tourist Office. The second, the central one, houses the Sanctuary Nuestra Señora de Gracia and the Centro Integrado de Estudios Musicales "Padre Antonio Soler", belonging to the Community of Madrid. The third and most modern building is currently used as housing for private individuals.
Address: C. Floridablanca, 3, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid
King's Garage
At Calle del Rey 41 are the Cocheras del Rey, once a group of buildings built by Carlos III in the eighteenth century to meet the needs of transporting personnel and goods. Only some of the original parts are preserved.
Today it is a museum made up of a multitude of original period pieces: from horse-drawn carriages to furniture, books and travel gear. A hodgepodge of many different things. We were there during our last visit, and it was pleasant but a little bit confusing.
The price of the general admission is 4,50€. The updated schedule, as well as all the necessary information to complement the visit you can find in the Cocheras del Rey website.
Address: C. del Rey, 41, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid
Telephone: 918 90 70 70 93
Colosseum Museum
This theater, which dates back to 1771 for court performances, today offers a wide range of cultural activities for all audiences, being one of the centers of the Community of Madrid and therefore managed by it.
In the official website of the Community of Madrid you have the necessary information in case you want to buy tickets for a show, read more in depth about its history or take a guided tour (on very bad days by the way).
If you go to the back of the building, you will find the Colosseum Museum, which offers an insight into the two and a half centuries of the Colosseum's life.
Address: Pl. Jacinto Benavente, 2, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid
Telephone: 918 90 70 93
Chair of Philip II
To the south of the Royal Monastery is the Bosque de la Herrería, a public access area perfect for a walk or a picnic, once a royal hunting ground among other uses. From the town it can be accessed from the Adolfo Suárez Park or from Calle Calleja Larga, which is bounded to the west by the gardens and parks of the Casita del Príncipe.
The Bosque de la Herrería is also the beginning of some hiking trails, reaching places further south. The most typical and popular hike is the one that leads to the Silla de Felipe II, an elevated stone from which you get incredible views of San Lorenzo del Escorial and surroundings. It is said that from it the monarch controlled the works of the Royal Monastery.
From this link from the official website of the Tourist Office you can have the complete itinerary, besides being able to see other places to extend it or take others. We followed it on our last visit without any problem. Also, if you want to access the Silla de Felipe II without so much walking, it is possible to leave the car very close. To do so, just look for Parking Bosque de la Herrería on Google Maps.
