The Magnificent Monastery

My sensors registered the grandeur and beauty of The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial as soon as I landed. It is located in a small town near Madrid, Spain. The monastery was built by King Philip II in the 16th century and it served as a royal palace, monastery, and pantheon for Spanish monarchs. The monastery's architecture is breathtaking. Its layout forms a grid and the interior decorations range from Renaissance to Baroque styles. The library is one of the most beautiful rooms I have seen in my travels. Its shelves hold thousands of ancient manuscripts and books. The monastery also houses a museum which displays art and artifacts from different cultures and periods. The scenery around the monastery is equally impressive. The surrounding hills are covered with pine trees and offer hiking trails. The monastery also has beautiful gardens and courtyards. In short, The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a true gem of Spain that should not be missed.