El Escorial Monastery Tickets

Experience the splendor of a royal palace, basilica, pantheon, library, school, and monastery all in one location. This ticket grants you access to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Reasons to Explore the Monastery at El Escorial

In the year 1557, Spanish forces achieved victory over the French during the Battle of Saint-Quentin. Following this triumph, in 1561, King Philip II established Madrid as the capital of Spain. These significant events culminated in the construction of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which took place from 1564 to 1584 under the king's directive.

This magnificent Renaissance complex nestled in the Sierra de Guadarrama, at the foot of Mount Abantos, is recognized as a World Heritage Site for its remarkable historical, architectural, artistic, and bibliographic significance.

Your visit to the monastery allows you to leisurely explore its various sections. Within the royal quarters, you will find the Palace of the Austrians. This palace features the illustrious Hall of Battles, where stunning frescoes depict the conquests of the Spanish monarchy.

The monastery also houses the Royal Library, which contains approximately 40,000 volumes, and the pantheons for kings and infants, where many past monarchs of Spain rest.

The Basilica of El Escorial serves as the centerpiece of the entire complex. From this location, visitors can access the Salas Capitulares (Chapter Rooms), the Sacristy, the primary cloister, and the Patio de los Evangelistas, all of which offer fascinating insights worth exploring.

Visiting Hours

The El Escorial Monastery offers differing hours of operation depending on the season:

Winter Hours (October to March)

• Tuesday to Sunday: open from 10 am to 6 pm
• Free admission: offered on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 pm to 6 pm

Summer Hours (April to September)

• Tuesday to Sunday: open from 10 am to 7 pm
• Free admission: available on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 pm to 7 pm

Please be aware that the last entry and closing of the ticket office is one hour before the monument's closing time.

Types of Tickets

During the booking process, you can select from the following ticket options:

• Standard ticket: applicable for adults who do not qualify for any discounts.
• Reduced-price ticket: available for children aged 5-16, seniors over 65, and students up to 25. Proof of eligibility must be presented.
• Free entry: offered to individuals who are unemployed, have disabilities, belong to a large family, or are children under 5. Relevant documentation is required.