9 curiosities about San Lorenzo del Escorial: discover them!
San Lorenzo del Escorial has a series of charms that any Madrid (and visitor) must know. Because of its proximity to the capital, its history and, above all, the spectacular monastery built by Felipe II. Therefore, Hnos. Montoya recommends this activity in bus excursions It offers schools, senior centers, travel agencies and associations. But before starting the trip, we share some curiosities about San Lorenzo del Escorial that should be known.
Curiosities about San Lorenzo del Escorial to discover ...
1 A grill-shaped monastery
El Monastery San Lorenzo del Escorial was ordered to be built by Felipe II to commemorate the battle of San Quentin against the French. The work was initially commissioned from Juan Bautista de Toledo. However, Juan de Herrera would continue. It was he who finally shaped inverted grill in honor of San Lorenzo, martyred in Rome on a grill in 1557.
2 A great gift in the fourth centenary
The complex has the royal palace, the basilica, the pantheon of the kings, the library, the school and the monastery. The Royal Monastery was built between 1563 and 1584. Four centuries later, at 1984, the surprise came and was declared a World Heritage Site.
3 The chair of Felipe II
To know another curiosity about San Lorenzo del Escorial you have to get away a little. Specifically to Felipe II chair, an excellent viewpoint that, according to the chronicles, he used the monarch himself to follow the evolution of the work. A good place to stop on an excursion in our coaches.
4 Craft Houses: the monastery was small
Curiously (and despite the grandeur of the monastery) the Offices they were projected to replace the lack of space of the monastery itself. Today they are occupied by different services of the local town hall such as the House of Culture, Library or a center for teaching music and plastic arts.
5 The Pantheon where the Kings rest
The Royal Crypt or Pantheon of the Kings is where most of the Spanish monarchs are buried. However, before arriving here, his remains must spend some 30 years in the "Pudridero", a smaller room, until its mummification.
6 The Chamber of Secrets
Curiosities about San Lorenzo del Escorial reach every corner. The Hall of Secrets is a small square room in the old convent. It is said that if two people whisper, one at each end and facing the wall, they can be heard perfectly.
7 A door to hell
The medieval legend tells that the location of the Monastery also served to cover a door to hell. Specifically in a cave located at the foot of Mount Abantos.
8 A place for alchemy
It is known that Philip II was very fond of alchemy. Therefore, in one of the towers he ordered the construction of the "House of Waters". This place became a secret laboratory where alchemy lovers were invited by the king himself to find the desired philosopher's stone.
9 The Infant's House
Who was the last inhabitant? The Casita del Infante was built in the Dehesa de la Herrería for the infant D. Grabiel, son of Carlos III. However, his last relevant tenant was King Emeritus Juan Carlos I during his student time.
For those who wish to discover more curiosities about San Lorenzo del Escorial, it is best to visit it personally. In Hnos. Montoya we organize special departures in our coaches to enjoy a place full of history just 50 kilometers from Madrid.