Madrid

How to visit the Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial (Madrid): schedules

Basilica of the El Escorial monastery near Madrid
Basilica of the El Escorial monastery near Madrid

the so-called Courtyard of Kings, through which the basilica is accessed, is the main access to the Monastery of El Escorial

This imposing monument that you can visit near Madrid At the time it was the largest building in the world, and is considered the main work of art of architecture in Spain.

Although for the visit of the monastery You will enter through the entrance on the north façade, the current route of the visit will take you to the complex that makes up the aforementioned Courtyard of the Kings and the Basilica, which becomes the central axis of this great monument.

El Courtyard of the Kings It is a large interior space Monastery of El Escorial oriented to the west façade, on which the spectacular Library.

When you get to Courtyard of the Kings, before you is presented facade of the Basilica of El Escorial which is located inside the aforementioned monastery.

What to see when visiting the Basilica of El Escorial

The aforementioned facade for the Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial It is flanked by two tall bell towers.

Arranged on two levels, on the lower one its tall Doric style columns stand out, and on the upper one, the six figures representing biblical kings.

Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial
Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial

El interior of the basilica It is designed in the shape of a cruise, with very thick columns that support the vaulted ceiling.

In the center stands out the great dome 95 meters high from the ground and 17 meters in diameter.

El High altar It has a large altarpiece 30 meters high that was designed by himself. Juan de Herrera, with polychrome marble, paintings and bronze sculptures.

On both sides of the altar there are accesses to the rooms of the Habsburg Palace, from which the king and his family could follow the mass.

Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial
Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial

On your visit, the interior will give you a feeling of great robustness, but it does not have outstanding decorative elements that embellish the basilica.

Furthermore, darkness prevails inside it.

In sum, the Basilica It is one of the most significant corners of the great monument that is the El Escorial Monastery.

Basilica Monastery of El Escorial Hours

The schedules to visit the Basilica of El Escorial They are, from Tuesday to Sunday, from April to September, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., and from October to March, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.

Mass schedules Basilica Monastery of El Escorial

If it is of your interest, here you can consult the Mass schedules of the Basilica of the Monastery of El Escorial.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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