Nestled among the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, El Monte Abantos, or Mount Abantos, towers over its surroundings at a height of 5,751 feet. Indeed, there is nothing aesthetically spectacular about this forested mound, but there is an aura of mystery that hangs over Abantos, much like the curtain of mist that lingers over the mountaintop in the early morning. Madrid, just a little over 37 miles away, is as beautiful and vibrant as they come, yet city folk and tourists alike often find themselves drawn to this landform, in particular the quiet swathe of land on the southern slope of the Abantos. This picturesque place, rich with scenic, panoramic views, is a refreshing escape from the fast-paced city life, but it is also home to an irreplaceable national treasure once lauded as the eighth wonder of the world: El Escorial.

Strangers to El Escorial will most likely be left unmoved by the multipurpose complex at first glance. It has complementary, but dull colors, not to mention uniform, yet uninspired proportions of its towers. The facade, while clearly a stalwart structure, lacks warmth and creativity. Visitors who walk through any of its three doors, however, will most certainly be rendered speechless by its hidden majesty. This monumental time capsule of Baroque and Renaissance splendor, stamped with the imprints of its Catholic monarchs, is one that can be appreciated by art lovers regardless of background.

The majority of those fortunate enough to feast their eyes upon the majestic complex that is the El Escorial share the same sentiment: its beauty is indescribable. This is a place that oozes opulence, a kind of opulence flavored by class and historical charm, rather than the garish flamboyance and tawdry ostentation often displayed by the nouveau riche. To say that the place is fit for a king would simply be downplaying its splendor. Of course, this was exactly what it was.

The most compelling part of this compound lies not in its secret beauty, but in its engrossing history and the countless, often cryptic legends associated with this captivating compound. El Escorial: The History and Legacy of Spain's Most Famous Royal Site journeys through the eventful timeline of the residence and looks at some of the fascinating characters who lived there.