I took 50 minute bus there, then was told it was closed on Monday. I walked around the property but could not find a way to view inside. I plan to try again on Tuesday. I run into a Korean traveler who gave me a ride back to Madrid. I toured him across the city then checked two museums free on Monday. 
Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the city's main attraction is the world famous Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (El Escorial for short), a World Heritage Site that was the political centre of the Spanish empire under King Philip II.
With an annual number of 500,000 visitors,the Escorial – ostensibly a monastery, but in fact built as a royal residence – is one of Spain’s major tourist attractions.
Originally commissioned as mausoleum for his father Charles V, when building completed in 1584 the grounds included a basilica-church, monastery, royal household and library. The pantheon contains the remains of Phillip II and those of his parents, Charles V and the Empress Isabel of Portugal.
Some highlights not to miss in El Escorial:
- The Basilica contains two great cenotaphs on either side of the high altar: to the right, that of the founder, King Philip II; on the left that of the Emperor Charles V. The sculptor Pompeyo Leoni was responsible for the gilt bronze statues in the two royal groups.
- The Pantheon of Kings is directly underneath the altar in the Basilica and is worth the extra money for the full priced ticket.
- The magnificent Gallery of Battles was recently restored and shows scenes commemorating battles from Phillips military campaigns.
- The Chapter Houses with the collection of paintings from Tintoretto, El Greco, Titian and others.
- El Grecos painting of "The Martyrdom of St. Maurice".
- The Library and its vaulted ceiling decorated with frescoes.
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