This is a seriously creepy piece of architecture that screams Inquisition. It’s a massive building with over 100 miles of passages built between 1562 and 1584, and its construction costs nearly bankrupt the country. It was built at the height of Spanish power by Phillip II (yes the fellow that was married to Mary and sent the armada against Elizabeth), a VERY devout Catholic and apparently thought living in an austere monastery was great idea. The tombs of most of the Spanish royalty after Phillip are in a mausoleum in the heart of the building. You can get tickets ahead online.
Monastery and Royal PalaceHours
- Oct-Mar: Tues-Sun 10:00 – 18:00
- Apr-Sept: Tues-Sun 10:00 – 20:00