Andy Rodker's photos with the keyword: palace-monastery

The famous palace-monastery, seen from the Herreria Woods (mainly holm and Pyrenean oak), with smoke from an autumnal bonfire (appropriate for November 5!) and the slopes of Abantos behind. There is actually quite a substantial town there, more or less hidden by the bulk of this enormous edifice! When Felipe II had it constructed, it must have been the largest building in Europe at that time. He needed a big place to run his Empire from and for hundreds of monks to pray for and with him! Best viewed on max enlargement.