"Getting away from the city" Top 5 Page for this destination San Lorenzo de El Escorial by agarcia

San Lorenzo de El Escorial Travel Guide: 134 reviews and 289 photos

Escorial view - San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Monasterio de El Escorial

Because it’s very close to Madrid (less than an hour from the downtown by train); Because it’s placed in a privileged natural context; Because there you could find its famous Monasterio, part monastery, part school, part palace. Because of that many reasons, El Escorial is one of the preferred destinations as day trip by the inhabitants of Madrid.

Last, but not least, because I was invited to lunch with a couple of good friends that live up there. Definitely, I can find many reasons for visiting El Escorial. ;-)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Impressive architecture in a natural environment
In a nutshell:A perfect gateway from Madrid!

Last visit to San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Apr 2003
Intro Updated May 7, 2003
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Reviews (6)

Cross in the path - San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Reaching La Silla-III Things to Do (5)

Now you are almost there. You will notice that immediately because someone had the fabulous idea of putting a bar (a... more travel advice

San Lorenzo landscape - San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Reaching La Silla-II Things to Do (5)

The really fun part is to get a little loose around the valley, and exploring its surroundings. If you leave the beaten... more travel advice

River in San Lorenzo valley - San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Reaching La Silla-I Things to Do (5)

There are plenty of indications of the many trials of the valley in the vicinity of the monastery. If you follow the... more travel advice

La Silla de Felipe II Things to Do (5)

Ruling an Empire “where the sun never gets down” (the phrase is not mine, obviously), should had been an intensely... more travel advice

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Comments (13)

Marycarmen41 Nov 29, 2007 at 8:59 AM Report Abuse

I felt again in El Escorial. I love that place and everything about spain. Congratulations to share this pics.
gilabrand Feb 21, 2006 at 1:18 AM Report Abuse

You've convinced me. Next time I'm in Spain, I'll head for San Lorenzo.
willy_wonka Dec 5, 2005 at 10:06 PM Report Abuse

looks like a beautiful peaceful place. i loved your photos, and great info too. cheers.
Andraf Apr 25, 2005 at 1:16 PM Report Abuse

Can't wait to get there. History and nature, this sounds great.
shpynka Oct 13, 2003 at 6:35 AM Report Abuse

I should've gotten away from the city more...
keeweechic Aug 16, 2003 at 4:22 PM Report Abuse

You had all the best reasons for visiting. A wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle into such a scenic area. Amazing monastery and good background info.
german_eagle Jul 19, 2003 at 4:40 AM Report Abuse

Being an architecture and history and nature junkie I have to visit El Escorial. Thanks for the tips, esp. on the surrounding landscape.
morgane1692 Jun 3, 2003 at 5:41 AM Report Abuse

Always happy to have you as a guest at one of my estates, Alfredo...;--P I love the opening tree shot by the way, use of the portrait mode with the background fuzzed out like that, highlighting the craggy branches...city rat AND an artist? wow!
acemj Jun 2, 2003 at 5:46 PM Report Abuse

Wow. So much more than just the monastery. Remember when I was there in February? It was snowing!!!! Too cold for the hike. Great page.
b1bob May 26, 2003 at 3:20 PM Report Abuse

When I come back to Madrid, let's hike to "the Silla". Nice job, Alfredo.