Library of the Monastery of El Escorial

The main hall of the library extends 54 meters in length, with walls lined with wooden shelves containing over 40,000 printed works and manuscripts.

Philip II of Spain established this library in 1565 as part of his vision to create a center of knowledge during the Spanish Renaissance period.

The ceiling features detailed frescoes depicting the seven liberal arts through classical scenes, accompanied by fourteen additional paintings beyond the cornice.

The library maintains strict temperature and humidity controls to preserve its collection of rare manuscripts, including texts in Latin, Greek, Arabic, and Hebrew.

The library houses scientific instruments from the 16th century, including ornate globes and astrolabes that Philip II studied with scholars of his time.

Location: San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Inception: 1565

Founders: Philip II of Spain

Part of: Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Address: c/ Don Juan de Borbón y Battenberg, 1 28200 28200

Phone: +34948690332

Email: biblioteca.escorial@patrimonionacional.es

Website: http://rbme.patrimonionacional.es

GPS coordinates: 40.58950,-4.14964

Latest update: March 5, 2025 07:32