Discover Spain’s royal legacy at El Escorial, a majestic 16th-century palace-monastery showcasing the opulence of Spanish monarchy. Commissioned by King Philip II, it stands as a top tourist attraction with its monastery, church, library, palace, museum, seminary, and mausoleum. Admire the Spanish Renaissance architecture, learn about historical events, and explore the rich collections of art, music, and literature, all while experiencing the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of this monumental site.
Explore the tales of famous captives who were held in castle prisons throughout history. From Richard the Lionheart to Mary Queen of Scots, each captive had a unique story of captivity and attempted escape. The conditions in castle prisons were often brutal, with cramped spaces and no sanitation. Despite the hardships, some prisoners were able to use their time wisely and create significant works, such as Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” and Galileo’s research on uniform motion.