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.

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

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

The Ibex of La Pedriza

This species of wild goat stars in witchy legends and frolics among the park's eerie rock formations.

19 miles from San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Tiemblo, Spain

Bulls of Guisando

Whether they are bulls or pigs, these ancient animal sculptures are fascinating relics.

22 miles from San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Atlas Obscura Trips

Barcelona Behind the Scenes: Cabaret and Carnival

Catapult yourself into Barcelona's complicated and colorful past for a week filled with unique historic tours, private musical performances, and an evening of performance in a private atelier.

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