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| A visit to the 'Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial' |
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The monastery of El Escorial was built by order of king Felipe II who designed it as a royal pantheon and converted into a political operational center. The works started in the year 1563 under the direction of Juan Bautista de Toledo and were finished in 1584 under the direction of Juan de Herrera. The monastery celebrates the kings victory in the San Quintín Battle, in San Lorenzo´s day. Built in granite, it has a marvelous symmetry and equilibrium, which completely dominates the architectonic composition. The geometry and austerity of its decoration also stands out. |
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| A visit to the 'Valle de los Caídos' |
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This monument was erected by Franco in memory of people fallen from both bands in the Spanish Civil War. (Unique case in history) There are 40.000 bodies buried under it, approximately half of each band. Beside the Altar you can find the graves of Francisco Franco and José Antonio Primo de Rivera. |
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| Theatre Auditórium San Lorenzo de El Escorial |
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Building of modern construction with two concert rooms, the Symphonic with 1300 seats and the Chamber Hall for 300 people, both with 100% visibility. Operas, operettes, concerts and dance are performed in festivals along the year. |
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| Courses at the University 'María Cristina' |
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It was founded by María Cristina Queen in 1892 and managed by the Agustinos monks from its origin. It is a centre associated to the Complutense University of Madrid and prestigious summer courses are held there. |
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| Fishing and sailing in 'Valmayor' |
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The water dam of Valmayor is considered one of the most important dams of Madrid due to its capacity of accumulated water. There you can do fishing, sailing, and other activities. |
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| Theatre in the 'Real Coliseo Carlos III' |
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It was built in 1770 and refurbished by the architect Juan de Villanueva. It is the only existing stage of XVIII century in Spain. Plays, concerts and ballet are performed on it. |
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| Walking and mountain bike activities in the area |
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Wonderful surroundings to practice hiking and mountain bike, such as Las Machotas, La Herreria, Abantos peak, etc. |
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| Golf Club 'La Herrería' |
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Golf Club with 18 holes and 6.091 metres long. There are also several extra activities and celebration of tournaments. |
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| Ski resorts: Puerto de Navacerrada and Valdesquí |
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Located at 30 km from San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the ski resort of Puerto de Navacerrada is one of the pioneer resorts in Spain. Together with Valdesquí they have 30 km of trails and 24 lifts. Situated in the middle of the Guadarrama mountain range it is also a starting point for great mountain excursions (Camino Schmid, La Fuenfría y Calzada Romana, Nacimiento del Manzanares, La Maliciosa, Lagunas de Peñalara, etc.) |
