Ancient history

Why was the El Escorial built?

1. As a monument to the victory at the Battle of Saint Quentin. The El Escorial was built to commemorate the victory of the Spanish Habsburgs over the French at the Battle of Saint Quentin in 1557. The victory ensured that the Spanish Habsburgs would remain the dominant power in Europe for decades.

2. To provide a residence and monastery for the Spanish royal family and the Order of Saint Jerome. The El Escorial was also intended to provide a residence for the Spanish royal family and a monastery for the Order of Saint Jerome. The Order of Saint Jerome is a Roman Catholic religious order that was founded in the 14th century. The order is known for its strict asceticism and its emphasis on prayer and contemplation.

3. To serve as a mausoleum for the Spanish royal family. The El Escorial also serves as a mausoleum for the Spanish royal family. The remains of many Spanish kings, queens, and princes are interred in the monastery's crypt.