Excursion from Madrid to Segovia, Escorial and Valley of the Fallen

The history of Segovia is unique in its kind. It was founded by the Romans in 80 BC. Like Toledo in its time, Segovia between 714 and 1085 was in the possession of the Moors, then the city was taken by Alfonso VI of Castile, who made Segovia a royal residence for the next two centuries. In 1474 she was proclaimed Queen Isabella I. Each era left its mark in Segovia: the fortress walls, the unique historical center, the Romanesque Gothic churches. The narrow streets of this ancient city reflect a mix of Muslim, Christian and Jewish cultures.

Of the great number of monuments, the three most important ones stand out - the famous Roman aqueduct with a height of 28 meters and a length of 728 meters, which rises above the city and its surroundings; one of the most grandiose residences of the Spanish kings - the Alcázar, as well as the late Gothic cathedral founded in 1525 by order of Charles V. In 1985, Segovia was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Register. It should also be mentioned that one of the residences of the Order of the Templars was the church of Vera Cruz from 1208 until its destruction.

After completing an individual tour of Segovia - lunch, then move to Escorial, where the country palace of King Philip II of Spain is located.

Country Palace of King Philip II of Spain (1527–1598) – Escorial, located 50 kilometers north of Madrid. The history of this castle dates back to August 10, 1557. This era was marked by the endless wars waged by the Spanish Empire. The army of Philip II defeated the French in the battle of Saint-Quentin in Flanders (Belgium). It happened on the day of St. Lorenzo, and in honor of this saint Philip II decided to build a monastery. The new palace was supposed to represent the great power of the Spanish monarchy and weapons, recalling the victory of the Spaniards at San Canten. During the construction of the Escorial, the plans multiplied, as did the weight of the structure. It was decided to implement the commandment of Charles V - the construction of a dynastic pantheon, as well as to express the political doctrine of Spanish absolutism in stone, connecting the monastery with the Royal Palace. To this end, the king sent two scientists, two architects and two stonemasons to look for a place for the new monastery, so that it was not too far from the new capital, not too hot and not too cold. The search lasted a year and eventually found the place where Escorial is now located.

During the tour you will see the chambers of the royal family, in which, in addition to exhibits related to the history of the Habsburg dynasty, there is also a rich collection of Spanish, Italian and Flemish paintings. The collection exhibits masterpieces of Coelho, Bosch, Titian, as well as other great masters. You will see the impressive library of Philip II, which contains more than 30 thousand volumes of first-printed books and unique manuscripts, the tomb of Spanish kings, the pompous palace cathedral with sculptural creations of Leoni and Benvenuto Cellini. On the way to Escorial you will see the amazing landscapes of the foothills of the Sierra de Guadaramma.

The Valley of the Fallen Memorial is located 50 kilometers north of Madrid. It symbolizes reconciliation between the opponents of the Spanish Civil War, where the supporters of General Franco, the Phalangists and the Republicans are buried. General Franco himself is buried there, as well as the organizer of the Phalangist movement Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera. The latter was shot in 1936 and reburied in the Valley of the Fallen in 1939. All other graves are divided into two parts and impersonal – supporters of Republicans and Phalangists. The Valley of the Fallen consists of two parts: a giant stone cross, 150 meters high, and a huge basilica carved into the rock. At the foot of the cross sit four huge evangelists, eighteen meters high, and a little higher are four sculptures symbolizing human virtues.

After the tour, return to Madrid.