Andy Rodker's photos with the keyword: San Lorenzo de EL Escorial

Yes, it IS a fence! Of sorts!! Behind is San Lorenzo de EL Escorial and Abantos.

I used my trusty English language guidebook to these mountains. It was over 20 years old at the time and the path I was on (which was supposed lead straight back to the palace) was suddenly blocked off at this point. I had no alternative (I had a bus to catch) but to plough on through thorny thickets as tall as houses. I emerged (and caught the bus, just) but with my clothes torn to shreds. The folk on the bus avoided the blooded spectacle completely!

A late autumn scene. The nerve centre of Felipe II's imperial beaurocracy. It controlled the largest empire the world had known. Best on full scren.

A bit too far for as clear a shot as I would have liked, especially without lenses, tripod etc, but the magnificent palace / monastery is visible for many miles around, especially from the surrounding mountains of La Sierra de La Guadarrama.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial from the Herrería Woods in winter light.

The monastery / palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial from the summit of La Machota Chica (a.k.a La Machota Baja). The central peaks of La Sierra de Guadarrama are seen on the horizon

Up (or down) a steep-ish incline and not quite a straight line! Between San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Zarzalejo. Madrid Province.

A very hot late October day but a magnificent long walk involving ancient woodlands, terrific parkland, the palace monastery, a Roman road, a tough and steep scramble up to a craggy granitic ridge and magnificent vistas. Perfect!

A fine autumn day, November, 2015