San Lorenzo de El Escorial is set to celebrate its fifth heritage days, providing an opportunity to explore the historical, cultural and natural wealth of the Royal Site in honour of International Heritage Day. Running from 13 to 22 November, the local council has organised a programme that includes crafts, music, photography, routes and guided visits.
The event invites both residents and visitors to appreciate the heritage from various perspectives, focusing on artisanal trades, musical legacies, landscapes, and the history of the municipality.
Programme highlights
The programme will kick off on Friday, 13 November, at 18:00 with a round table discussion titled “Entre lanas, cera y sabores” (Between wools, wax and flavours) at the Casa de Cultura's auditorium. Participants include Fernanda Algorta from Casa Tenue, Paula López from Campo a través, and Gisela Scarel from Bendita Pausa, all of whom run local businesses dedicated to artisanal creation and its connection to heritage.
On Saturday, 14 November, at 10:00, the Deverde Association will lead a route titled “Los tesoros de Abantos” (The treasures of Abantos), departing from Eurofórum Felipe II. Later that day, at 12:00, the Casa de Cultura will host a conference on “Músicas y fiestas cortesanas en el siglo XVIII” (Music and court festivities in the 18th century), presented by Miguel Ángel García Valero, a historian and deputy director of Historical Heritage for the Community of Madrid. Following this, the Camerata Antonio Soler will perform a concert entitled “Fray Antonio Soler, el Monasterio y la Real Capilla” (Fray Antonio Soler, the Monastery and the Royal Chapel).
On Sunday, 15 November, at 12:00, photographer Mariano Leiva will guide a route called “Patrimonio y paisaje” (Heritage and landscape), starting from the Tourist Office. Participants will explore some of the most picturesque spots in San Lorenzo while learning from this urban landscape expert.
Coinciding with International Heritage Day on Monday, 16 November, the Agasle Association will conduct a guided visit starting at 12:00 from the Tourist Office, showcasing the outdoor areas designated as World Heritage Sites.
The heritage days will conclude on Sunday, 22 November, with two theatrical visits titled “La ensoñación de Carlos III” (The daydreaming of Charles III) and “Juan de Villanueva con San Lorenzo” (Juan de Villanueva with San Lorenzo), presented by Vuelta de Tuerca. In these performances, the monarch and the architect will explore the town centre to discover the San Lorenzo of the 18th century, scheduled for 12:00 and 17:00 from the Tourist Office.
Participation in the routes and visits requires prior registration by calling the Tourist Office at 91 890 53 13.
