the power of the escorial, a photo from Madrid, Madrid

Photographer's Note

Being a history buff, for me the monastery palace of the Escorial was a must-see on our Spanish trip, even though we'd already visited it a long, long time ago.

The Escorial is a symbol of Spanish power politics, especially of Filips II, the ultra religious king who played a most decisive role in the break-up of the Netherlands in the 16th century. One of the biggest paintings inside the building shows my native city Antwerp with the huge Spanish fortress (citadel) attached to it, like an ulcer, to "protect" the inhabitants of the city from political and religious independence.

Filips II built this monastory and palace as a massive shrine, a monument to his reclusive glory. Most Spanish royals are buried here, including Filips' father, the Emperor Charles V. In my imagination Charles, who most certainly would abhor the place, haunts the endless vaults and hallways of the Escorial!

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EL ESCORIAL (the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial) is a historical residence of the King of Spain located some 40 kilometres northwest of the Spanish capital Madrid. Built between 1563 and 1584 by order of King Philip II (who reigned 1556–1598), El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world. It functions as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital.

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alternative view in WS

jhm, PaulVDV, jemaflor, ChrisJ trouve(nt) cette note utile

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lousat (138655) 2022-01-14 4:05

Hi Benny,wonderful postcard another time, only 45 km from the capital and surely a trip to do, the residence of King is a great example of architechture and you show this spectacle in the usual perfect way,well done! Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

jhm (211734) 2022-01-14 6:20

Goedemiddag Benny,

Hier heeft u een heel mooie hoek gekozen.
De vijver en het gebouw komen hier echt tot hun recht
Prachtig perfectief met dit schitterend gebouw over de ganse breedte.
Prima foto werk, scherp en helder. Bedankt.

Prettige dag verder,
John.

Gerrit (62042) 2022-01-14 6:22

Dag Benny,
het is een buitengewoon strak opgezet en indrukwekkend gebouw. Je hebt het mooi gekadreerd en over het frame verdeeld.
Thanks and regards,
Gerrit

PaulVDV (62804) 2022-01-14 10:56

Hallo Benny,
Volgens mijn mening heb je de juiste hoofdfoto gekozen.
Je was er reeds heel lang geleden. Ik ook, reeds iets meer dan 40 jaar geleden.
Ik herinner me een heel rijkelijk interieur maar het zijn vage herinneringen geworden. Zo weet ik niet meer dat er een schilderij van Antwerpen te zien was. Bovendien vergat ik ook al dat er water rondom de gebouwen was, of dan toch ministens aan één zijde.
Het water ziet er opmerkelijk geelgroen uit.
Het gebouwencomplex oogt indrukwekkend.
Je vond een uitzichtpunt van waarop je heel wat torens en een koepel mooi op een rij kon presenteren.
Vele groeten, Paul

ifege (47013) 2022-01-14 20:08

Hi Benny
I made the mistake of not going out to see this magnificent complex. An excellent panoramic photo and a useful closer WS.
cheers
Ian

jemaflor (146330) 2022-01-14 23:45

Hi Benny,
Well taken from a good POV this famous escorial, good Fg with water and reflections, beautiful sunlight and blue sky, perfect to give a well done photo, tfs.

abmdsudi (95869) 2022-01-15 5:19

Hi Benny
What a beautiful architecture with lovely light, neatness and wonderful colours. The foreground pool adds an extra dimension. Splendid capture
Best regards

mkamionka (73440) 2022-01-16 1:02

Hi Benny,
I am not sure what I am more impressed with -with the architecture, composition or simply the amazing blue sky.
A weather like this makes a huge difference to the way I perceive a place.
This looks stunning! I like the green pong in the foreground which contributes a color and a geometry as well. The structure appears so elegant from this angle.
Unfortunately I have missed it on my trip to Madrid, I suppose I have to visit again!
M

emka (157280) 2022-01-16 11:07

Hello Benny, Excellent view from this side. But Escorial seems to be so gloomy. A palace as a grill? But still, it is interesting and there is a lot to see inside.

Best regards Malgo

ChrisJ (171280) 2022-01-18 0:18

Hi Benny

A fantastic architectural gem in Madrid, with good colour, sharpness and framing. Nice reflections in the ornamental fg fountain. Tfs!

Silvio1953 (220665) 2022-01-19 7:38

Ciao Benny, great perspective on fantastic Palace, nice reflections, excellent clarity, fine details, splendid light and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio