The Escorial was inaugurated in 1584 as the residence of the Royal Family, including several other spaces, such as a monastery with basilica-church, library and the remarkable Pantheon of Kings where his remains and those of his parents and successors still lie today. The royal complex owes its huge tourist fame not only to its high historical value, but also to the large cultural heritage in form of paintings, sculptures and other art works that are stored in it. As a lover of Italian Renaissance art, the founder of El Escorial King Philip II decorated the interior with ample reproductions of Luca Giordano, Cambiaso, Zuccaro and Tibaldi. The collection also includes works from El Greco, Goya, Velazquez and Hieronymus Bosch. Particularly extensive is the gathering of sculptures and frescoes, which are to be seen in the whole complex - from the main staircase and the lower cloister to the Battle Gallery, the Chapter Rooms and the library. The most famous names featured are undoubtedly those of Monegro, Claudio Coello, Bernini and Cellini. Some rare tapestries and furniture contribute to the immense art value of the palace as well. On the southern side of the main construction there is a splendid wide garden, similar to those in English mansions. One of the oldest reservoirs ever constructed and still used today should be also mentioned.

Within the complex, visitors can enjoy two other buildings – the hunting lodge La Casita del Infante and the lush garden area with house La Casita del Principe, once a summer retreat of the kings, today used by the students of the monastery school for studying and relaxation. El Escorial functions as a monastery today, in fact one of the oldest in Spain, and at the same time is a favourite day-trip destination for citizens and guests of Madrid, due to its proximity – less than an hour drive.