Cool and Unusual Things to Do in San Lorenzo de El Escorial - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in San Lorenzo de El Escorial

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

Valley of the Fallen

This underground church is topped with a 500-foot cross that is seen by many as a beacon of fascist hubris.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

This influential Renaissance-era library was once the haunt of kings and monks.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

Silla de Felipe II (Phillip II’s Chair)

According to tradition, King Phillip II supervised construction of the seat of his empire from this seat carved into rock.

Are we missing something unusual in San Lorenzo de El Escorial?

Civil War Bunkers of Alto del León

These Bullet-scarred bunkers are haunting reminders of the Spanish Civil War.

8 miles from San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Cementerio del Cristo (Cemetery of Christ)

This small cemetery and its chapel are located in the middle of a traffic circle.

12 miles from San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Manzanares el Real, Spain

Manzanares el Real Castle

A magnificent, long-abandoned castle built in the wake of the reconquest of Spain.

17 miles from San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Rascafría, Spain

Peñalara National Park

A breathtaking and biodiverse wilderness in the mountain setting of Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls."

18 miles from San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Barnacles, Bluffs, and Brine: A Galician Seafood Pilgrimage

On this week-long seafood pilgrimage, we’ll delve deep into the world of barnacle hunters, oyster fisherman, lobster trap builders, razor clam-diggers, and net menders, along with the local chefs who are harnessing the incredible offerings of their coast, transforming Galician cuisine into something new and exciting.

Community Forums / Southern Europe / Spain

Top Discussions in the Spain Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Madrid Tips	18 January 21, 2020	2465	January 21, 2020
Tips for visiting Sagrada Familia, Barcelona	12 August 29, 2019	1448	August 29, 2019
Panther Milk	2 July 30, 2019	1949	July 30, 2019
The Meninas are back again ! (Madrid, España)	1 December 2, 2019	349	December 2, 2019
Madrid: Recos for food/food business related sights?	6 February 24, 2020	652	February 24, 2020

New Post Visit the Forum

San Lorenzo de El Escorial Leaderboard

Places Added

Monsieur Mictlan 1

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent San Lorenzo de El Escorial Activity

marifes has been to Valley of the Fallen

fosteremily1993 wants to go to Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

fosteremily1993 wants to go to Valley of the Fallen

Saskia wants to go to Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

jamescar has been to Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial