El Escorial, monument and patrimony of humanity was the political center of the reign of Felipe II where he built his palace and library as well as a cemetery for himself, his parents, Carlos I and Isabel of Protugal and for his family and successors, where he edified a great basilica and founded a monastery.

He began construction at the end of 1562 and the last stone was laid in 1584. In the basilica there are two large funeral monuments on each side of the main altar, the one of the founder, Felipe II and the one of Carlos I with their respective families. The Panteón de Reyes (King’s Cemetery) occupies a circular chapel located beneath the main altar, decorated with marble and bronzes. It is there that the monarchs rest as well as their mothers, from Carlos I to present day with the exception of Felipe V and Fernando VI who rest in their respective foundations; The Ranch of San Idelfonso and the Salesas Reales in Madrid (Church of Santa Barbara). The remains of the other Royal family members are in the adjoining Panteón de Infantes (Children’s Cemetery).

El Escorial, monument and patrimony of humanity was the political center of the reign of Felipe II where he built his palace and library as well as a cemetery for himself, his parents, Carlos I and Isabel of Protugal and for his family and successors, where he edified a great basilica and founded a monastery.

He began construction at the end of 1562 and the last stone was laid in 1584. In the basilica there are two large funeral monuments on each side of the main altar, the one of the founder, Felipe II and the one of Carlos I with their respective families. The Panteón de Reyes (King’s Cemetery) occupies a circular chapel located beneath the main altar, decorated with marble and bronzes. It is there that the monarchs rest as well as their mothers, from Carlos I to present day with the exception of Felipe V and Fernando VI who rest in their respective foundations; The Ranch of San Idelfonso and the Salesas Reales in Madrid (Church of Santa Barbara). The remains of the other Royal family members are in the adjoining Panteón de Infantes (Children’s Cemetery).