What to see in El Escorial, 20 minutes from Collado Villalba
About 15 kilometres from Collado Villalba, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the must-see sights of the Madrid region. Here is a practical guide to make the most of the day.
A monastery, a palace and a royal pantheon
Philip II had El Escorial built to commemorate the victory of Saint-Quentin (1557). Work began in 1563 under Juan Bautista de Toledo and was completed by Juan de Herrera in 1584, in the sober style known ever since as Herrerian. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984.
What you should not miss
- The Basilica. The heart of the complex, with its great dome and high altarpiece.
- The Royal Pantheon. Most of Spain's kings since Charles I rest beneath the high altar.
- The Library. One of the most beautiful rooms in the monastery, with frescoes by Pellegrino Tibaldi and thousands of old volumes.
- The Habsburg Palace. The austere rooms where Philip II lived and died.
- The gardens and Philip II's Seat. From this stone viewpoint on the outskirts of the town you can see the whole monastery with the mountains behind it.
Getting there from Collado Villalba
By car it takes about 20 minutes. You can also take the Cercanías commuter train from Villalba station to El Escorial and walk or catch the town bus up to the monastery. Check opening times and tickets on the Patrimonio Nacional website before you go: the monument is usually closed on Mondays.
A full day out
Morning at the monastery, lunch in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a stroll through its streets and back to Collado Villalba in the afternoon. The day can end at Bingo Villalba, Honorio Lozano 14, open every day from 12:30, with bingo, slot machines, electronic roulette, sports betting and a restaurant.
Bingo Villalba is an in-person bingo hall at Honorio Lozano, 14, Collado Villalba. Open every day from 12:30. Over-18s only, with ID card, NIE or passport. Please gamble responsibly.
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