Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Whether seen from afar or up close, the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial makes its royal connotations immediately obvious. The ideally symmetrical square, with four towers marking its corners, is home to a monastery, two palaces and a library that boasts as many as 40,000 volumes founded by Philip II. Built as a summer retreat that could serve all the functions of state and church, the complex is fascinating in its completeness and staggering in its wealth. One of Europe's fines tapestry collection, the tombs of Spanish monarchs, as well as magnificent works by Spanish and Italian masters are among the numerous highlights the royal residence