The monastery of El Escorial is just a short train ride from Madrid. This monastery was built by Philip II of Spain as part of his massive campaign against the rising Protestant movement. This monastery was traditionally the home of the king, and after he built it, Philip II passed the rest of his life there. The monastery itself is very beautiful. Enormous murals of battles and biblical scenes grace the walls. Engraved hardwood panels adorn the walls where the remains of Spain's kings and queens rest. And the garden, always my favorite part, is just beautiful.
