El Escorial, Administrative municipality in Sierra del Guadarrama, Spain
El Escorial is a municipality in the Sierra del Guadarrama within the Community of Madrid, sitting at 909 meters (2,982 feet) elevation. The settlement spreads across mountain terrain and residential districts along the southern slope of the Sierra.
The municipality developed in the shadow of the royal monastery palace built by Philip II during the 16th century in the neighboring settlement. Its current administrative form emerged with the organization of Spanish autonomous regions.
The town shares its name and heritage with neighboring San Lorenzo de El Escorial, where the royal monastery complex has shaped the identity of the area. Visitors walking the streets today notice the mountain character and the layout typical of Sierra communities.
The municipality is reached from Madrid heading northwest through the Sierra foothills. Visitors will find residential areas at different elevations and should be prepared for slopes and inclines throughout the streets.
The municipality belongs simultaneously to three regional associations coordinating mountain development, social services, and waste management. This multiple membership reflects its position between the capital and high mountain terrain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
2.1 km
Royal Crypt of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
2 km
Pantheon of the Infantes of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
2 km
Silla de Felipe II
2.7 km
Valmayor Reservoir
8.3 km
Casita del Príncipe
1 km
Mount Abantos
4.4 km
Library of the Monastery of El Escorial
2.3 km
Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Escorial
110 m
Casita del Infante
2.8 km
La Granjilla de La Fresneda de El Escorial
1.8 km
Church of San Bernabé
395 m
Paraje Pintoresco del Pinar de Abantos y Zona de La Herrería
3.6 km
Prado Nuevo
648 m
Teatro Real Coliseo de Carlos III
2.1 km
Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid
2.1 km
Embalse de Los Arroyos
6.3 km
Royal Basilica of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
2 km
El Campillo, El Escorial
6.1 km
Real Club de Golf La Herrería
2.8 km
Casita del Infante
2.8 km
Museo Cocheras del Rey
2 km
Casa de la Compaña, San Lorenzo de El Escorial
2.3 km
Casa 3.ª de Oficios (dependencia del Monasterio)
2.3 km
Gardens of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
2 km
Casa de los Infantes (dependencia del Monasterio)
2.3 km
Casa 2.ª de Oficios (dependencia del Monasterio)
2.2 km
Casa 1.ª de Oficios (dependencia del Monasterio)
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes