El Escorial
Vicinity of Madrid, Built 1563 - 1584
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a historical residence of the Kings of Spain, a Spanish royal site that currently functions as a monastery for the Hieronymite monks, royal palace, museum and school.
El Escorial has been the burial site for most of the Spanish monarchs of the last five centuries, the Bourbons as well as the Habsburgs. The floor plan of the building is in the form of a gridiron - or 'grill'. The traditional belief is that this design was chosen in honour of St. Lawrence who, in the third century was martyred by being roasted to death on a grill. The image of the grill can been seen throughout the building. Another legend holds its floor plan was inspired by the descriptions of the Temple of Solomon.
What to say?
Regardless of what inspired its structure, it is magnificent and very, very grand.
Also loved some of the frosty paving stones - reminded me of home!
El Escorial has been the burial site for most of the Spanish monarchs of the last five centuries, the Bourbons as well as the Habsburgs. The floor plan of the building is in the form of a gridiron - or 'grill'. The traditional belief is that this design was chosen in honour of St. Lawrence who, in the third century was martyred by being roasted to death on a grill. The image of the grill can been seen throughout the building. Another legend holds its floor plan was inspired by the descriptions of the Temple of Solomon.
What to say?
Regardless of what inspired its structure, it is magnificent and very, very grand.
Also loved some of the frosty paving stones - reminded me of home!