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The landmark complex of El Escorial is found within the city, and deserves to be visited by foot. The whole Escorial complex is composed of: The Basilica, The Palace of the Bourbons, The Palace of the Austrias, The Pantheons, The Museums, The Library and the Casitas.
The Monastery attracts attention with the grandeur of its construction. Its interior holds the Basílica, a Doric church that occupies the central part of the complex. Inside the Basílica, the chorus stands out with magnificent frescos adorning the vault. Very significant are also the 45 chapels around it, and the altar presided by an enormous altarpiece, designed by Juan de Herrera and decorated with polychrome marble, bronze sculptures and paintings.
 Just under the Basilica’s largest altar lays the Royal Pantheon, which is composed of smaller pantheons where the majority of the Spanish monarchs after Charles V are buried. It is decorated in black marble and golden bronze. The disposition of the urns is curious: the kings are to the left of the altar and the queens, who gave birth to future monarchs, are on the right.
The visiting hours for the Basilica are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. In spring and summer the hours are extended until 6 p.m.
Next to the Basilica, the visitor can continue the view of the Monastery in the Palace of the Bourbons. In front of the solemnity of the rest of the installations, the room is highlighted by the sumptuous décor that Carlos IV ordered. The Palace is small and therefore visit reservations are recommended. Call 918 905 902 and 918 905 903.
The visit continues to the Palace of the Austrias, residence that Philip II ordered constructed next to the largest altar of the Basilica for his convenience. A window permitted the monarch to follow the mass from bed when illness prevented him from being able to stand up. On the contrary to the Palace of the Bourbons, the austerity of the décor is what calls attention.
As with the Palace of the Bourbons, it is recommendable to call ahead for information about visits to the Palace of the Austrias. (Tel. 918 905 902 and 918 905 903)
Besides being a faithful devotee, Philip II was cultured and well-educated, and hence requested the construction of museums and the library. The architecture of the library includes 11 rooms where one can see the tools, cranes and other materials used in the construction of the Monastery. Also on exhibit are the plans and documents relative to the works.
The pinacoteca (art gallery), divided into four rooms, is a must-see with its works of German, Flamenco, Venetian, Italian and Spanish schools from the 15th, 16th and 17th century.
The library is highlighted by its vaulted ceiling, wooden bookcases and marble floors. It was the first public library in Spain and had a collection of 40,000 volumes. This is owed to the decree Philip II signed in which copies of all publications were required to be sent to him.
Other buildings of interest that form part of the architectural complex of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial are the Casita del Infante (Infant's house) and the Casita del Príncipe (Prince's house). The first is also known as the Casita de Arriba (Upper house) and the second as the Casita de Abajo (Lower house). Both are luxurious small palaces that Philip II ordered to be built for the lodging of the infants.
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