Escorial

Escorial, a famous monastery situated about thirty miles northwest of Madrid. At the time of its erection it was the most magnificent building of the kind in the world. Built by Philip II. in honor of St. Lorenzo, it was constructed in the form of a gridiron, in allusion to the instrument of his martyrdom. The Escorial was begun in 1563, and finished in 1584. It was intended to serve as a palace, royal mausoleum, and monastery.