Yesterday, I went on an excursion with my study abroad program to El Escorial. It is a large monastery north of Madrid that was built in the 1500s, and it was the largest building in the world at the time. Inside, there is a palace, museum, basilica, library, and pantheon where all of the Royalty of Spain have been buried. We were not supposed to take pictures at all, but we were able to sneak a few.
On the same trip, we visited the Valle de los Caidos. This is a large Catholic basilica where the tallest memorial cross in the world is held. It was situated in the mountains so we were surrounded by snow. Almost felt like home!
 |
The center courtyard of El Escorial |
 |
Walking into the beautiful basilica |
 |
One of the most important historic libraries in the world |
 |
The entrance into the Pantheon where the Kings and Queens of Spain are buried |
 |
Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) |
 |
Surrounded by snowy mountains |