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Escorial Monastery
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The east facade of the Royal Monastery El Escorial in Spain, with formal gardens below and a mountain landscape in the background. Royal Monastery
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Escorial Monastery

monastery, El Escorial, Spain
Also known as: Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
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The east facade of the Royal Monastery El Escorial in Spain, with formal gardens below and a mountain landscape in the background.
El Escorial The Royal Monastery, El Escorial, Spain.

El Escorial is a vast monastery and royal palace complex located in Spain, northwest of Madrid. Commissioned by King Philip II, it was designed as a burial place for Spanish sovereigns and was built between 1563 and 1584 by architects Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera.1

The monastery is one of the largest religious structures globally, featuring a central church, royal palace, monastic quarters, and five cloisters. Its design is characterized by massive walls and a severe aesthetic, establishing the influential Herreran style. El Escorial also houses an extensive library with a significant collection of manuscripts and books.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. El Escorial
  2. Royal Palace of Madrid

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