Royal Crypt of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Royal burial chamber in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
The Royal Crypt contains marble sarcophagi arranged in a circular pattern within an underground chamber beneath the monastery basilica floor.
Construction began in the 1560s under King Philip II, with architects Giovanni Battista Crescenzi and Juan Gómez de Mora completing the design in 1654.
The crypt holds remains of Spanish monarchs from Charles V to the Bourbons, with kings positioned opposite their queens in violet stone sarcophagi.
Access to the crypt requires descending a long marble staircase, and winter temperatures inside remain cold due to the stone construction.
Two empty sarcophagi await former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, marking the final royals designated for interment in this space.
Location: San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Architects: Giovanni Battista Crescenzi, Juan Gómez de Mora
Part of: Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
GPS coordinates: 40.58891,-4.14684
Latest update: August 12, 2025 11:51
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