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Home | Settlement S | San Lorenzo de El Escorial
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The Monastery of El Escorial is the most prominent building in the town and is one of the main Spanish Renaissance monuments. The Valley of the Fallen also falls within the boundaries of the municipality. The monastery and its historic surroundings were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on November 2, 1984, under the name of "El Escorial, monastery and site". The site also enjoys protection on Spain's heritage register; since June 21, 2006, it has been protected by the Community of Madrid as a Property of Cultural Interest. San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located on the southern slopes of the Mount Abantos (elevation 1753 m). The average altitude of the municipality is 1032 m (3385.8 ft), and most of the urban area is above 1000 m (3280.8 ft). The hamlet initially sprang up around Monastery of El Escorial, gradually extending up the mountain. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the town underwent a strong urban expansion, particularly towards the southeastern side of Mount Abantos. |
