Free walking tours in San Lorenzo de El Escorial and what to see

Must-sees

San Lorenzo de El Escorial grew up around the Royal Monastery that Philip II ordered built in the 16th century, designed by Juan de Herrera. The monastery is a World Heritage Site and combines a basilica, a palace, a pantheon and a library. The visit takes in the Royal Pantheon, where most Spanish kings since Charles I are buried, the library with its frescoes and rooms with paintings by great masters.

Outside the monastery, the town has sloping stone streets, the Real Coliseo de Carlos III, an 18th-century theatre, and the Jardín de los Frailes. The Casita del Príncipe, surrounded by gardens, and the Casita del Infante are two small pleasure palaces. On the outskirts, the Silla de Felipe II is a rocky viewpoint from where you can see the whole complex with the sierra behind.

Free tours and guided visits

The pay-what-you-like free walking tours cover the town and the outside of the monastery, with explanations about Philip II, the building's construction and court life at El Escorial. For the interior, a guided visit of the monastery helps a great deal in understanding such a large, detailed building. There are also guided hikes on Mount Abantos and in the Sierra de Guadarrama, and trips combining El Escorial with Segovia or Ávila.

How long to spend

The monastery needs about three hours. With a full day you can add a stroll around the town, lunch there and an afternoon climb to the Silla de Felipe II, or visit the Casita del Príncipe if it is open. If you like the mountains, stay two days to walk a route on Mount Abantos. From Madrid it takes about an hour by Cercanías train or bus.

Where to stay

Staying in the town centre, near the monastery and Calle Floridablanca, lets you walk to all the monuments and have bars and restaurants close at hand. At night the town goes quiet and the views of the floodlit monastery are worth it. If you want nature and silence, there are places to stay higher up towards Mount Abantos, although you will need to walk uphill or use the car.