El Escorial, Madrid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Escorial
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Church of San Bernabé.
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 El Escorial, Madrid
Location in Spain
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Community of Madrid | ||
| Province | Madrid | ||
| Comarca | Vegas de Coria | ||
| Area | |||
| • Land | 607 km2 (234 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 909 m (2,982 ft) | ||
| Population
(2009)
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| • Total | 14,979 | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
10840
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El Escorial is a cool town in the Community of Madrid, Spain. It's about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of the capital city, Madrid. In 2013, about 15,197 people lived there. This town is famous for its amazing historical buildings and beautiful nature.
Contents
What is El Escorial?
El Escorial is a municipality, which is like a local government area. It's known worldwide for the incredible Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This huge complex includes a monastery, a palace, a museum, and a library. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning it's super important for everyone to protect.
History of El Escorial
The town of El Escorial grew up around the Royal Site. King Philip II of Spain ordered the construction of the monastery in the 16th century. He wanted a place to honor his father, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and to serve as a royal burial ground. The building was also meant to be a center for learning and religion.
Building the Royal Site
Construction of the Royal Site began in 1563 and finished in 1584. It was designed by famous architects like Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera. They created a massive, impressive building that looks like a grid. It's a great example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Life in El Escorial Today
Today, El Escorial is a lively town. Many people visit to see the Royal Site and enjoy the surrounding nature. The town has schools, shops, and places to eat. It's a popular spot for both tourists and people who want to live close to Madrid but in a quieter area.
Nature and Outdoors
The area around El Escorial is very green and hilly. It's part of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. This makes it a great place for outdoor activities. You can go hiking, biking, or just enjoy the fresh air. There are also beautiful gardens around the Royal Site.
Local Government
Like any town, El Escorial has a local government. The main leader is called the Mayor. The current Mayor is Antonio Vicente Rubio. He is part of the PP, which is a political party in Spain. The Mayor and the town council work to make decisions for the community. They manage things like local services, public spaces, and town events.
Images for kids
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Casa constitorial
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The Casita del Príncipe
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Monastery and Site of El Escorial
See also
In Spanish: El Escorial para niños
