El Escorial and Valle de Los Caídos

!Hola todos! Today the group took a trip to El Escorial and Valle de Los Caídos. Some information on both:

El Escorial--A basilica/monastery/palace built in the 16th century and commissioned by King Felipe II in response to the protestant Reformation. Its layout is modeled after King Solomon's temple, and now it is home to several Gothic and renaissance artwork. No pics were allowed but I managed to get a couple of shots.

Valle de Los Caídos--A basilica commissioned in the 20th century by Francisco Franco, former dictator of Spain. It is characterized by the same art that characterizes other dictatorships with strong figures and a certain austerity to embellishment. It is dug into the side of a cave, and holds Franco's body inside. Now, the basilica is dedicated to all soldiers who lost their lives in the Spanish Civil War.

Til Next week!

Brandon