Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial in Spain
Rating: 7,8/10 (435 votes)  This huge complex is both a palace, a monastery, a museum and a library. It is located in the town of San Lorenzo del Escorial, which is located 45 kilometers north-west of Madrid. This complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Philip II began construction of the complex. This building was supposed to become a necropolis for the rulers of Spain, as well as a teaching residence during the Catholic Reformation. The complex is shaped like a brazier. This is in memory of Saint Lorenzo, the martyr who was roasted alive. The king dedicated this monastery to the saint to thank God for the victory at San Quentin. The monastery houses many works of art, including works by El Greco, Titian, Jose Ribera, Paolo Veronese, Roger Van der Weyden and other masters. The library, which is one of the most significant in the world, contains about 60 thousand ancient priceless manuscripts. The complex is the place where the Spanish kings from the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties are buried. In the royal pantheon you can see the tombs of Alonso XIII, Alonso XII, Isabella II, Ferdinand VII, Charles IV, Charles III, Louis I, Charles II, Philip IV, Philip III, Philip II, Charles I of Spain.   We also recommend reading Castle of Canossa in Italy Topic: Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial in Spain. |
