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Chair of Philip II

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Cuenca del Guadarrama, Madrid

1 Villages · 9 Monuments · 2 Nature · 1 Activities · 1 Curiosities · 1 Historical milestones

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Chair of Philip II

Monument · San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Cuenca del Guadarrama, Madrid

A group of stepped platforms and seats carved into a granite outcrop, known as the Canto Gordo, at the foot of Las Machotas, within the picturesque Pinar de Abantos y la Herrería, about 2.5 kilometres from the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. According to tradition, it served Philip II as a vantage point during the building of the monastery of El Escorial (1563-1584), which can be seen from the main platform, facing north and with three seats separated by armrests. The more plausible theories suggest instead that it is a nemeton, or sacrificial altar, of Vettonian origin, given its similarities to other pre-Roman sanctuaries such as those of Ulaca or Panóias. It is one of the most visited attractions of the Royal Site, in the woods of La Herrería.

Photo: Esetena (CC BY-SA 3.0)

What to see and do in San Lorenzo de El Escorial