El Escorial

Just 30 miles northwest of Madrid is the 16th century palace and monastery built by Philip II. It's easy to get to by public transportation. Take the bus from Moncloa station--bus 661 or 664 (express bus) from Platform 11. From the Metro station, go upstairs and find Platform 11. Hop on the first bus --a bus leaves every 15 minutes, takes 45-55 minutes, and costs €4.20. El Escorial is open 10:00-18:00 and is closed on Mondays.

The palace is a 10-minute walk through town from the bus station. Turn left out of the bus station and follow the pedestrian streets to the TI. The TI is across the street from the entrance to the palace.



 

 

The town is adorable.

 

 

El Escorial--€17 for entry and an English tour or just €10 for entry. Take the tour. It will take you to parts of the palace that are not open on the regular tour. Plus, it will get you admission to the House of the Infants and the House of the Prince.

 

 

Tree-Lined Entry to the House of the Prince.

 

 

The House of the Prince.

 

 

Backyard of the House of the Prince.

 

From the House of the Prince, it was a short walk to the train station. The train to Atocha station costs €3.70.

 

Six miles from El Escorial is the Valley of the Fallen, Spain's memorial to its Civil War. There is only 1 bus from El Escorial and it leaves at 3:15 pm. The bus returns from the memorial at 5:30 pm.

 

 

 

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