El Escorial

El Escorial is another palace, but it's a bit more than that. It was the summer palace of the kings and the royal families. Also, it is a huge library, monastery, church, college, and more. I'll say again - this place is huge. The cathedral here was the prettiest one I've seen yet. Beautiful murals and artwork. El Escorial also has a royal tomb that houses many of the kings and queens gone by. We were able to visit the tomb, which has very ornate coffins lining the walls. It was neat to see, but wierd to think we were surrounded by skeletons. By the way, there is also a rotting room at El Escorial. You have to rot down to your bones before you are allowed to come down the royal tomb. Bet it smells lovely. I also was able to see a portrait of King Carlos II as a child. Look him up online. You can tell right away that he is a consequence of royal inbreeding.

The town surrounding El Escorial is called San Lorenzo del Escorial. It is one of my favorite places I've been yet. Its beautiful and very relaxing. We had a good time exploring the little town. Very beautiful place.