One of Many Paintings in El Escorial
What is merely El Escorial to me is actually short for a much more formal name – the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. As the name implies, this has something to do with the royal family of Spain as well as religion. It is actually both. It used to serve as a royal palace back then and it was also a royal monastery. You can consider El Escorial as Spain’s answer to the Protestant reformation which was sweeping Europe. Much resources have been poured into the construction of this massive structure as a symbol of Spain’s contribution to the Christian world. Indeed, the impact of Spain in the spread of Christianity cannot be overstated. Most of the colonies which Spain had back then still retain their Christian beliefs which were brought in by the Spanish conquerors. Much of Latin America and the Philippines, unique in Asia, are still Catholic a legacy of their Spanish past.
Looking Out the Courtyard of the Kings at El Escorial
El Escorial is now a museum which showcases the royal monastery as well as the royal palace. However, for the most part, it is showcasing a massive amount of art that was collected throughout the centuries. Upon entry into the building, I was told to check in my bag at a storage area in the building. This was okay, although I ended up forgetting about my bag later on. What wasn’t okay was the fact the photographs weren’t allowed in the art galleries. I find it difficult to accept how they can disallow photographs since this is a UNESCO World Heritage. No flash should have been enough. This was very disappointing to me. But what can I do? All I can do it admire the beautiful paintings on display here.
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