RR7: Escaping to the Escorial

As we move into the 16th century, Spain takes the stronghold of Europe with its extensive territories across the continent and westward to the new Americas. Relatively new as a powerhouse, the empire needed a central capital, which was created by King Phillip II in 1562, 45 minutes north of Madrid in the Guadarrama Mountains. This expansive palace complex (seen below) was built in the countryside, away from major cities.

http://www.spainthisway.com/images/places/el-escorial.jpg

Philip II was "a deeply religious king and a fierce advocate of Catholicism, and designed his palace in the form of a monastery to symbolize the strength of his faith" (Ching, pg 530). Interestingly, the current trend across Europe at the time was towards classical Roman and Greek ideals infused with grandeur and ornamentation. This palace in many ways was designed as the antithesis of such, to mirror Phillip II's faith. A closeup of the exterior is below.

http://www.artisansofleisuretraveler.com/photos/El_Escorial.gif

A look at the plan of El Escorial will reveal geometric forms and a strong central axis, with the church and dome in the center. The palace gardens and courtyards are specifically incorporated into the design to form the larger square footprint (seen below).

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdTCsBQz4ojUgKThTw8wI77NqVCNgeZvJRjdt0EonpBVtTQnflYCNKM-THvJIYPAFK6QGw9JLrj4cIO-HuVsY3NBNRoOIFu_tAeK6ar20WK2xDxpDw4wQ2UOpajQLpkSTYcXQCyJT-K66/s1600/el-escorial-map.jpg

El Escorial has multiple functions, including:
- royal chambers
- monastery
- library
- church
- mortuary for Spanish kings

http://www.spain-holiday.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/royal-library-el-escorial.jpg

 The library (above) and the mortuary for Spanish kings (below).

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqjMcNIxw5I4o1_CM0V2y_Mf7gvBOCZQdziXg5mrsHBfgRJm_fPhwCy4oengqjbRFeloJ6MFHDoBjawrJH_qmRj09m0VEYqzdGxvYCq5B7FER4oMEud7XiZ1l2HvNomYMUcEEiCOhyU0/s1600/ElEscTomb.jpg

 Perhaps what I find most interesting about El Escorial is its monstrous size and, in my opinion, missed intent. One of the constant themes in the history of architecture and design is that size matters, however I would argue that it does not matter how large your building is if the majority of those to whom you are trying to persuade are too far away to see it. Unlike most other palace centers of its time, this is removed from the people, up in the mountains. While this remote situation undoubtedly reflected its chief patron's personality, I find that the lesson I take from this enormous complex is to make sure you know who and where your audience is. Interestingly, Spain begins to fall from power not long after this palace is built, and is rarely visited today except by tourists.