El Escorial is one of Europe’s largest and most magnificent royal buildings.
It’s a palace, basilica, monastery, art gallery, museum, library and royal mausoleum first started in the 16th century.
This architectural wonder overflows with great sculpture, paintings, frescos, inlaid wood and marble, stunning tapestries, extensive gardens and an incomparable mausoleum where Spain’s deceased royalty are interred.
Heading the list of great works is the wondrous white Carrara marble crucifix
carved by Benvenuto Cellini between 1556 and 1560 (photo #66 below).

Read the story about gay Spain