Introduction The Museum Monasterio de San Lorenzo, also known as El Escorial, is a historical residence of the King of Spain located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid. Built between 1563 and 1584 by order of King Philip II, El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world and serves as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital.
The Museum Monasterio de San Lorenzo (El Escorial, Spain)
Introduction
The Museum Monasterio de San Lorenzo, also known as El Escorial, is a historical residence of the King of Spain located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid. Built between 1563 and 1584 by order of King Philip II, El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world and serves as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital.
History
El Escorial was designed by Spanish architect Juan Bautista de Toledo and built to serve as a monument to Spain's role as a center of the Christian world. It is named after Saint Lawrence, who was martyred on a grill, and was intended to be a mausoleum for the Spanish monarchs. The building is symmetrical in design, with a central courtyard surrounded by four arms that form a square.
Art Collection
The Museum Monasterio de San Lorenzo houses an impressive collection of art from the Spanish Golden Age, including works by artists such as El Greco, Titian, and Tintoretto. Some notable paintings in the collection include:
- Martyrdom of St Lawrence by Pellegrino Tibaldi (419 x 315 cm, Monasterio de San Lorenzo (El Escorial, Spain), Oil On Canvas)
- Crucifix (detail) by Benvenuto Cellini (Monasterio de San Lorenzo (El Escorial, Spain), Marble)
- Crucifix by Benvenuto Cellini (Monasterio de San Lorenzo (El Escorial, Spain), Marble)
- Penitent St Jerome by Simon Bening (39 x 32 cm, Monasterio de San Lorenzo (El Escorial, Spain), Tempera)
Library
The Library of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a large Spanish Renaissance library founded by Philip II and located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It contains over 40,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and incunabula, as well as works on theology, philosophy, history, and literature.
Conclusion
The Museum Monasterio de San Lorenzo (El Escorial, Spain) is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Spanish history and culture. Its impressive art collection, beautiful architecture, and rich history make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. To learn more about the museum and its collections, visit

ArtsDot.com.
El Escorial [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escorial]Library of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_the_Monastery_of_San_Lorenzo_de_El_Escorial]Spanish Golden Age [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Golden_Age]