SPAIN --- Of Palaces And Paella! (July 9th)

 My last day of staying with Diego in Madrid was a good one: He took me to the magnificent "Palacio del Escorial". 

Per wikipedia, here is the description: 

"The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a historical residence of the King of Spain, located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.  Built between 1563 and 1584 by order of King Philip II (who reigned 1556–1598), El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world. It is one of the Spanish royal sites and functions as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital.

El Escorial consists of two architectural complexes of great historical and cultural significance: the royal monastery itself and La Granjilla de La Fresneda, a royal hunting lodge and monastic retreat about five kilometres (3.1 mi) away. These sites have a dual nature: during the 16th and 17th centuries, they were places in which the power of the Spanish monarchy and the ecclesiastical predominance of the Roman Catholic religion in Spain found a common architectural manifestation. El Escorial was both a Spanish royal palace and a monastery, although Philip II is the only monarch who ever lived in the main building. Established with a community of Hieronymite monks, it has become a monastery of the Order of Saint Augustine. 


Incredibly well-preserved and with gardens shaped and manicured to perfection, both interior and exterior were fabulous sights to behold. 


















crypt of the kings! Photography was NOT allowed in this room: I hid behind Diego so the guard couldn't see me to take this photo!






Incredibly ornate casket, made entirely of marble! Only fitting as the resting place for royalty... 


Sad but wondrous: a "crypt in the round" for the dead royal children... 






Spectacular ceiling fresco... 








At the end of the day, we returned back to Brunete and indulged ourselves with the famous and infinitely delicious dish of Spain: Paella. It consists of rice and seafood, and their secret seasonings (some of which, I suspect, is saffron) to give it its amazing color and flavor. We enjoyed this meal thoroughly! 


This was our appetizer: tender squid and salad... delish! 


The server mixes the steaming dish in its iron skillet before serving it to us


As gorgeous as it is tasty! 

A too-generous helping on a lovely plate! 


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