Spain’s most visited city, with its dynamic culture and vibrant streets, is a treasure trove of experiences. However, if you’re staying in the Spanish capital for several days, venturing beyond its borders may sound appealing. While Toledo and Segovia are the most repeated trips among visitors, El Escorial tour from Madrid might be another significant choice.
Moreover, if coupled with the Valle de Cuelgamuros / also known as Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos), the service may offer a profound insight into Spain’s royal, religious, and cultural heritage. In this sense, commuting is easy. If you prefer public transport, you may take Cercanias C3 from Atocha Renfe Station (approx 5€ each way). On the opposite side, you may hire our services with a private vehicle + chauffeur.
- Is El Escorial suitable for children?
- How far is San Lorenzo del Escorial from Madrid?
- Key tips before visiting
Planning your Escorial tour from Madrid with Cooltourspain
In order to hire our colleagues knowledge & time, you may contact us from the above contact form button, or sending us a whatsapp message to +34638399784. Alternatively, you may send us an email to info@cooltourspain.com requesting more information about El Escorial tour from Madrid.
Esther, Yago, or Julien speak both English, French and Spanish. Similarly, Ana speaks German and Stephano Italian language. We’re a multidisciplinary team with passion about art in general terms. Later, you should note that each guide counts with a specialisation. For instance, Mr. Jaen focuses on politics, while Mrs. Fernandez counts with a master on classic art.
Visitors often give their opinion about Cooltourspain’s thoughtful and engaging approach on platforms such as Viator, Airbnb or Get Your Guide. We offer a tailor-made attention and expert guidance. As we generally say, you’re not paying for a defined amount of time with us. You’re hiring us because of our years of experience on the field.
The Monastery, a jewel of Spanish history and cultural heritage
This Royal Site, often referred to simply as El Escorial, is a UNESCO World Heritage location and one of Spain’s most significant monuments. It was built in the late XVI century under the reign of King Philip II. this massive complex of over 33,000 sq meters, visited during El Escorial tour from Madrid served as a royal palace, monastery, library, and mausoleum for Spanish monarchs.
The architect Juan de Herrera built it, following a stunning example of Renaissance ideas. He included clean lines, symmetrical layouts, and a serene, monumental aura. According to our professional guides the crypt is one of the most breath-taking elements on its interior. Furthermore, its library is one of the most beautiful in Europe, holding invaluable manuscripts and stunning frescoes on its ceilings.
The guided visits could be compared to stepping into a history book. It offers a tangible connection to Spain’s royal past and the catholic counter-reformation. Even for kids and teenagers.
Highlights of El Escorial tour Madrid
Different added values may complete a half-day or a full day service. It’s recommended to join El Escorial tour from Madrid at the first hours within the morning. As a matter of fact, if tickets were purchased for the first available slot, you’ll visit the Monastery almost alone. Even better if you joined during the week days.
- Nestled in the foothills of Sierra de Guadarrama, the area offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.
- While Madrid showcases vibrant city life, El Escorial offers a reflective and serene experience.
- Book a table at La Chimenea restaurant, at the nearby town of Guadarrama.
Is the Valley of the Fallen a thought-provoking monument? (currently known as Valle de Cuelgamuros)
Located a short drive from the monastery, Valle de Cuelgamuros, previously known as Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen) is another monumental site steeped in history. This deviation of El Escorial tour from Madrid will show you what once was a memorial to Franco. Despite that fact, it’s now a memorial for those who died during the Spanish Civil War.
The 150-meter-tall cross is visible from miles away, and will welcome visitors on the A6 highway. On the same vein, the basilica, carved into a mountain, is both awe-inspiring and somber.
Valle de los Caidos offers a complex and controversial look into Spain’s XX century history. We’re particularly talking about the legacy of Spain’s dictator, whose remains were housed at the spot until 2019. Did you know that Republican side prisoners were used as labor for the site’s construction works?
What other details should you take into consideration before hiring El Escorial tours from Madrid?
Taking into consideration that visitors may choose our Escorial tours from Madrid because they’ve read on the internet about the monastery, you should take into account that the history of this village within the Madrilean Autonomous Community, counts with a great history even before the monarchs arrived here.
From Roman times to a more modern setting, San Lorenzo del Escorial has played an important role within the region. Please keep on reading so that you count with previous knowledge before joining our guided visit.
Who’s part of the history in San Lorenzo de El Escorial before the monarchs arrived?
Before the Spanish monarchy transformed the village into one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks, the area was a modest rural landscape with a history rooted in natural resources and early settlements. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the region’s fertile lands and abundant water sources attracted small communities long before it gained prominence under the reign of King Philip II.
1. Pre-Roman and Roman Influence
Archeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as far back as the Iron Age. The Vettones, a Celtic tribe, are believed to have settled in the region, leaving traces of their presence in the form of stone fortifications and cattle sculptures. Later, the Romans capitalized on the area’s strategic location and natural resources. They established small agricultural settlements and road networks connecting the region to major Roman cities like Toledo and Segovia.
2. The Middle Ages: A Quiet Backwater
During the early Middle Ages, El Escorial remained as a quiet and sparsely populated area. The region’s forests and streams made it a prime hunting ground, and small hamlets began to emerge. With the Christian Reconquest of central Spain in the XI century, the area became part of the Kingdom of Castile.
The story of San Lorenzo
This figure is a revered saint in Christian tradition, known for his unwavering faith and martyrdom. Born in the III century in the Roman Empire, he served as one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Sixtus II. His role was to manage the Church’s treasury and distribute alms to the poor.
During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian in 258 AD, Lawrence was arrested after refusing to surrender the Church’s riches to Roman authorities. Instead, he famously presented the poor and sick, declaring them the true treasures of the Church.
The connection between San Lorenzo and El Escorial is deeply rooted in King Philip II’s victory at the Battle of Saint Quentin in 1557, which took place on Saint Lawrence’s feast day. As an act of gratitude and devotion, Philip II commissioned the construction of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, dedicating the complex to the saint.
Key points for the monarchical interested that we discuss during El Escorial tour from Madrid
As you may image, the monarchy didn’t choose this area because of randomness. As you will hear during El Escorial tours from Madrid, there were several reasons for them to pick this strategic point. Please read what follows to understand their choice:
- Proximity to Madrid: Close enough to the capital to be accessible, yet distant enough to offer a retreat.
- It’s close to Segovia as well: The city was key for the Castilian reign, though it was still primarily a rural zone.
- Natural Defense: Sierra de Guadarrama provided a natural barrier, aligning with Philip II’s preference for a secluded and fortified site.
Cooltourspain’s opinion about El Escorial tours from Madrid
You should note that there are not that many residents in the Spanish capital city who have visited the monastery. They might not even know that European citizens may receive a free ticket on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm (October through March). Still, tickets for El Escorial tours from Madrid will be sold aside the entrance fee.
14€ is the price that you will pay to access the royal site.
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