Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife

Method of Transportation: Plane from Madrid to Tenerife North Airport
Transportation Time: Approximately 2.5 Hours
Cost:
     Bus to and from Segovia and Madrid: $22.21/€16.10
     Metro to and from Madrid and Airport: $13.79/€10.00
     Plane: $175.74/€127.40
     Hotel (Two Nights): $70.85/€51.36
     Total: $282.59/€204.86

As one of two islands of that are a part of Spain, the Canary Islands have a very distinct history. Located in the Atlantic Ocean near the western part of Africa, the islands were colonized by Europeans in the beginning of the 11^th century and have been under Spanish control since 1496[1]. Used as a stopping point between Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the Canary Islands became a major part of the economy and had been similarly used by Christopher Columbus on his journeys to the Americas[2]. One of the largest and main areas of the Canary Islands is Tenerife.

Tenerife Geography

Tenerife is located in the center of the Canary Islands. The island, like all of the Canary Islands, is a volcanic island and Tenerife has had four recorded volcanic eruptions in 1704, 1706, 1798, and 1909[3]. With forty-two natural protected spaces and a national park, Tenerife has a very diverse geography[4]. One of the most notable geographic landmarks of Tenerife is the Teide National Park. Mount Teide, at 3,718 meters high, is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcanic structure in the world[5]. The park itself is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site and it is possible to visit both the park and Mount Teide[6]. Access to Mount Teide is restricted to a permit for a specific date and period of time, but there are parts of the park that are not restricted. The permits can be obtained online at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es and are needed for both walking by foot and using the cable car to reach the peak[7].

Museo de Historia de Tenerife

Not only is Tenerife known for its geography, but it is known for its cities as well. One of the main cities of Tenerife is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, commonly known as La Laguna. The original capital of Tenerife, La Laguna is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site[8]. Used as a layout for many of the “New World” colony cities, La Laguna has buildings dating from 1546[9]. La Laguna also has the Museo de Historia de Tenerife, or the Tenerife History Museum. Here the visitor can learn everything about the history of the island and their influence on Spain. The museum is in Spanish, but there are free guidebooks in different languages available along with the free entry. Since Tenerife is the only one of the Canary Islands that has archival documentation leading back to European conquest, the museum contains the earliest records of the settlement of Tenerife. Apart from La Laguna, another major city of Tenerife is Santa Cruz. The capital city, Santa Cruz is located in the northeastern part of Tenerife. Santa Cruz is one of the most historically important harbors of the Atlantic Ocean in Tenerife, crucial to trade and economic commerce during the 19^th century[10].  Today, Santa Cruz is known for carnival, a festival celebrated every year in either February or March[11]. Considered to be one of the largest celebrations in the world, Santa Cruz’s carnival celebration is one of the most important festivals in the island[12].

16th Century Documentation

From geography to cities, the island of Tenerife is an important and distinct part of Spanish history. With its two world heritage sites and natural protected spaces, Tenerife has many geographical monuments. A crucial part to Spain’s economy, Tenerife has been a part of Atlantic Ocean trade routes since early European colonization and remains an important part of Spain’s cultural and historical past.

Works Cited

“Ascending the Teide.” webtenerife.co. Tenerife Tourism Corporation, 2010. http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/places-interest/teide-national-park/ascension+a+la+cumbre.htm. (accessed March 21, 2014).

“Events: Volcanic Eruptions.” webtenerife.co. Tenerife Tourism Corporation, 2010. http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/about-tenerife/history/events/las+erupciones+volcanicas.htm. (accessed March 21, 2014).

“History.” turismodecanarias.com. Turismo de Canarias, 2014. http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/tourist-guide/history-origins/. (accessed March 21, 2014).

 “Santa Cruz.” spain-tenerife.com. spain-tenerife.com, 2014. http://www.spain-tenerife.com/UK/santa-cruz.html. (accessed March 21, 2014).

“Teide National Park.” unesco.org. UNESCO, 2014. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1258. (accessed March 21, 2014).

“Tenerife Island.” turismodecanarias.com. Turismo de Canarias, 2014. http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/tourism-office/tenerife-island/. (accessed March 21, 2014).

“Walking Routes.” webtenerife.co. Tenerife Tourism Corporation, 2010. http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/activities/routes-and-excursions/walking-routes/por+el+casco+historico+de+la+laguna.htm. (accessed March 21, 2014).

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[1] “History,” turismodecanarias.com. Turismo de Canarias, 2014, http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/tourist-guide/history-origins/ (accessed March 21, 2014).

[2] Ibid.

[3] “Events: Volcanic Eruptions,” webtenerife.co. Tenerife Tourism Corporation, 2010, http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/about-tenerife/history/events/las+erupciones+volcanicas.htm (accessed March 21, 2014).

[4] “Tenerife Island,” turismodecanarias.com. Turismo de Canarias, 2014, http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/tourism-office/tenerife-island/ (accessed March 21, 2014).

[5] “Teide National Park,” unesco.org. UNESCO, 2014, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1258 (accessed March 21, 2014).

[6] Ibid.

[7] “Ascending the Teide,” webtenerife.co. Tenerife Tourism Corporation, 2010, http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/places-interest/teide-national-park/ascension+a+la+cumbre.htm (accessed March 21, 2014).

[8] “Walking Routes,” webtenerife.co. Tenerife Tourism Corporation, 2010, http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/activities/routes-and-excursions/walking-routes/por+el+casco+historico+de+la+laguna.htm (accessed March 21, 2014).

[9] Ibid.

[10] “Santa Cruz,” spain-tenerife.com. spain-tenerife.com, 2014, http://www.spain-tenerife.com/UK/santa-cruz.html (accessed March 21, 2014).

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

Church of Vera Cruz

La Iglesia de Vera Cruz

Method of Transportation: Walking
Transportation Time: Approximately 20 Minutes
Hours:
     April - September 10:30-1:30, 4:00-7:00
     October - March 10:30-1:30, 4:00-6:00
     Closed Mondays
Cost:
     $2.74/€2.00
     Free Tuesday Afternoons

The Church of the Vera Cruz, or the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, is one of the oldest churches in Segovia. It was built starting in 1208 by the Caballeros de la Orden del Santo Sepulcro, or the Knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, which is sometimes also attributed to the Knights Templar[1]. It is known for its unusual size as the church is built as a twelve sided polygon, differing from the other churches in Segovia. As one of the “best-preserved of its kind in Europe,” the Church of the Vera Cruz is noted for its historic importance[2].

Entrance

The design of the Church of the Vera Cruz is important to its structure. Built in a Romanesque style, the church has three individual chapels, a two story temple, and a bell tower that was added in the sixteenth century[3]. With Muslim inspired paintings and architecture, the Church of the Vera Cruz has a very “sober and exciting” interior[4]. There is also a stone alter that is decorated with interlaced arches supported by twisted columns in the center of the church[5]. The architecture alone makes the church unique, as well as its distinct structure.  

Unique Architecture 

The church has not only undergone structural changes over the centuries, but has also changed ownership reflective of the different times. After the dissolution the original order that had constructed the church, the Church of the Vera Cruz was given to the Orden de San Juan de Jerusalén, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, in 1317; the original order dissolved due to lack of leadership and eventual papal annulment[6]. In 1489, the ownership of the church was officially changed to the Orden de San Juan, or the Order of St. John, by Pope Innocent VIII, but the change did not occur until 1531[7]. The Church of the Vera Cruz remained under the Order of St. John until it was abandoned in 1836[8]. Eighty-three years later in 1919, King Alfonso XIII declared the Church of the Vera Cruz a national monument, but it was not in use until 1951[9]. Currently, the chapter of San Juan Baustista is in charge of the church under the Asamblea Española, or Spanish Assembly[10].

View of the Alcázar

Visible from the Alcázar, the Church of the Vera Cruz is fairly accessible by walking and car. The view from the church also gives a panoramic view of the city near the Alcázar, as well as the surrounding countryside. The church has undergone many structural and ownership changes over the centuries, but still remains as one of the best preserved of its kind. One of the more distinctive churches in Segovia, the Church of the Vera Cruz is also known for its history and design.

Works Cited

“Iglesia de la Vera Cruz.” turismodesegovia.com. Turismo de Segovia, 2014. http://www.turismodesegovia.com/que-ver/monumentos/iglesias-y-monasterios#siete. (accessed February 23, 2014).

“IGLESIA DE LA VERA CRUZ (Segovia).” ordendemalta.es. Orden de Malta, 2014. http://www.ordendemalta.es/story.php?id=446. (accessed February 23, 2014).

 “Vera Cruz Church.” spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2014. http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/arte/monumentos/segovia/iglesia_de_la_vera_cruz.html. (accessed February 23, 2014).

  

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[1] “Iglesia de la Vera Cruz,” turismodesegovia.com. Turismo de Segovia, 2014, http://www.turismodesegovia.com/que-ver/monumentos/iglesias-y-monasterios#siete (accessed February 23, 2014).

[2] “Vera Cruz Church,” spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2014, http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/arte/monumentos/segovia/iglesia_de_la_vera_cruz.html (accessed February 23, 2014).

[3] “IGLESIA DE LA VERA CRUZ (Segovia),” ordendemalta.es. Orden de Malta, 2014, http://www.ordendemalta.es/story.php?id=446 (accessed February 23, 2014).

[4] “Iglesia de la Vera Cruz,” turismodesegovia.com. Turismo de Segovia, 2014.

[5] “IGLESIA DE LA VERA CRUZ (Segovia),” ordendemalta.es. Orden de Malta, 2014.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

Alcázar of Segovia

View of the Alcázar

Method of Transportation: Walking

Transportation Time: Approximately 12 Minutes

Hours: 

     April - September 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

     October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Cost: 

     General $6.85/€5.00

     Reduced $4.11/€3.00 (65 and older, groups, and students)

The Alcázar of Segovia is the main castle in Segovia. Located near the Museum of Segovia and the Cathedral, the Alcázar was built starting in the twelfth century by the Muslims during Muslim occupation in Spain and was later changed and used by many Castilian monarchs[1]. Known for its architecture, institutional and political significance, and its symbolism, the Alcázar has remained an important part of Segovia’s past and present.

Entrance

Over the years, the Alcázar has held many important events. On December 13, 1474 Isabel I was crowned queen of Castilla in Segovia and lived at the Alcázar[2]. In 1570, Felipe II married Ana of Austria, his fourth wife, at the Alcázar of Segovia and made many changes to the Alcázar during his stay[3]. Not only used as a castle, the Alcázar was used as a prison for two centuries as well[4]. In 1762, King Carlos the third founded the Real Colegio de Artillería, or the artillery college, that was housed in the Alcázar until 1862[5]. In 1862 there was a fire that destroyed part of the Alcázar that was not rebuilt until 1882 and was not fully completed until 1896[6]. In 1898 the Archivo General Militar was created and in 1951 the Patronato del Alcázar took over the conservation of the Alcázar[7].

Sala de Reyes

The Alcázar has many different rooms and halls. In the main entrance is the Sala del Palacio Viejo, which is the older part of the Alcázar that dates back to King Alfonso X[8]. It contains many suits of armor from different parts of Segovia’s history. The next part of the Alcázar is the the Sala de la Chimenea, which was the main receiving room of the Alcázar and also the room that contains the only fireplace in the castle, dating back to the sixteenth century[9]. The next room is the Sala del Solio, which is also the throne room; following the Sala del Solio is the Sala de la Galera, which was constructed in 1412 by Queen Catalina of Lancaster[10]. The Alcázar also contains a church area, as well as the Sala de Reyes and the Museo del Real Colegio de Artillería. The Sala de Reyes has replicas and pays tribute to the monarchs of Asturias, Castilla, and León and was created by Felipe II[11]. Both the Sala de Armas and the Museo del Real Colegio de Artillería contain the history of the different arms used throughout the centuries of the Alcázar’s use[12]. The Museo del Real Colegio de Artillería also details the history of the Real Colegio de Artillería that was originally located in the Alcázar.

Sala del Palacio Viejo Suit of Armor

The Alcázar of Segovia is overall one of the notable places to visit in Segovia. Easily accessible, it contains the history of not only the castle, but the history of Segovia and the changes of the times it underwent. Preserving the history of Segovia, the Alcázar of Segovia remains a monument to its past and continues to the present.

Works Cited

“Brochure,” “El Alcázar.” Patronato del Alcázar de Segovia (2014).

“Historia,” alcazardesegovia.com, Patronato del Alcázar de Segovia, 2014, http://www.alcazardesegovia.com/historia-alcazar-de-segovia (accessed February 14, 2014). 

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[1] Brochure, “El Alcázar,” Patronato del Alcázar de Segovia (2014).

[2] “Historia,” alcazardesegovia.com, Patronato del Alcázar de Segovia, 2014, http://www.alcazardesegovia.com/historia-alcazar-de-segovia (accessed February 14, 2014).

[3] Brochure

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] “Historia,” alcazardesegovia.com, Patronato del Alcázar de Segovia, 2014.

[9] “Brochure,” “El Alcázar,” Patronato del Alcázar de Segovia (2014).

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

Museum of Segovia

Museo de Segovia

Method of Transportation: Walking

Transportation Time: Approximately 6 Minutes

Hours:

     Tuesday - Saturday: 

       October - June 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

       July - September 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

     Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Cost:

     $1.64/€1.20

     Free on Saturday and Sunday

The Museum of Segovia is located near the Alcázar and Cathedral of Segovia. Initially the Providential Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1842, the Museum of Segovia tells and preserves the history of Segovia from the beginning of its establishment to the twentieth century[1]. Primarily in Spanish, the museum does have introductory sections in English and brochures in multiple languages. Originally used to preserve artifacts that were confiscated church property, the museum's artifacts were stored in in the bishop’s palace and later moved to the church of Saint Facundo, the public library, the palace of Henry IV, and ended in the House of the Nobleman, or the Casa del Hidalgo[2]. The Casa del Sol, the current location of the museum, was given by the Council of Segovia to Segovia to use as a museum[3]. Although first used as a slaughterhouse during the reign of Henry IV, the Casa del Sol has undergone many renovations to become the museum it is today[4].

Entrance to the Museum

The first part of the museum has a detailed overview over the early history of Segovia. There is a short video in Spanish that explains the geographic features and formation of Segovia before the archaeological exhibits. The artifacts are owned by the state and are maintained by the Autonomous Community of Castilla and León and are divided into separate sections of geology, prehistoric and high Middle Ages, Romans and the aqueduct, and Visigoth period artifacts[5]. This is then followed by the Islamic, Roman, Gothic, and Mudejar cultural objects and history.

Early Artifacts

The next section of the museum deals primarily with the 15^th to 17^th centuries of Segovia history. From hydraulic energy to fabric making to art, there are many important key aspects of history that reflect the time periods. One notable artifact is the altarpiece from the Church of Santa Columba, which was once located near the aqueduct that depicts the biblical story of Jesus[6].

A Section of the Altarpiece

The end of the museum contains the history of the 19^th century through 20^th century. There are fabric making and sawmill examples, followed by ceramics and clothing examples. The Museum of Segovia also has special temporary exhibits as well. These are used to display the museum’s collections that are in storage[7]. The goal of the Museum of Segovia is the “conservation, research, and teaching” the history of Segovia and to preserve its artifacts[8]. It tells the history of Segovia, as well as preserving the past for the future.

Works Cited

Brochure, “’Casa del Sol’ Museo de Segovia.” Turismo de Segovia (2014).

“Museo de Segovia.” turismodesegovia.com. Turismo de Segovia, 2014. http://www.turismodesegovia.com/es/que-ver/museos/1012-museo-de-segovia. (accessed 14 February 2014).

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[1] “Museo de Segovia,” turismodesegovia.com. Turismo de Segovia, 2014, http://www.turismodesegovia.com/es/que-ver/museos/1012-museo-de-segovia (accessed 14 February 2014).

[2] Brochure, “’Casa del Sol’ Museo de Segovia,” Turismo de Segovia (2014).

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

The Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen

View of the Escorial

View of the "Valle de los Caídos," Valley of the Fallen

Method of Transportation: Bus to and from El Escorial Bus Station in Madrid or Tour

Transportation Time: Approximately 2 Hours (Round Trip)

Hours: 

     Valley of the Fallen Monument

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

       April - September 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

     Monastery and Palace: 

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

       April - September 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

     Gardens of the Friars:

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

       April - September 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

     Park House of Prince Carlos: 

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

       April - September 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

     House of Prince Carlos: 

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

       April - September 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

     Gardens of the House of the Prince: 

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

       April - September 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

     House of the Infant Gabriel: 

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

       April - September 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

     House Gardens of the Infant Gabriel: 

       October - March 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

       April - September 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

Cost: 

     Transportation: $21.89/€16.10

     Entrance Fee Escorial: 

       General $13.48/€10.00

       Reduced $6.74/€5.00 (65 and older, students under 25, schools, and E.U. members)

     Entrance Fee Valley of the Fallen: 

       General $12.23/€9.00

       Reduced $5.44/€4 (65 and older, students under 25, schools, and E.U. members)

     Tour Fee (Includes Entrance and Transportation to Both from Madrid): $74.77/€55.00

     Total Cost: 

       General $47.60/€35.10 

       Reduced $34.07/€25.10

       Tour $96.66/€71.10

The Escorial is a 16^th century palace outside of Madrid and is one of the most prominent buildings of Spain. Built by Philip II beginning in 1563, the Escorial contains a church (1582), monastery (1584), royal palace (1584), college (1584), and library (1592)[1]. The addition of the Royal Pantheon, a chapel containing the bones of Spanish monarchs, was added during the seventeenth century by Philip IV[2]. Today, the religious Order of Saint Augustine is responsible for taking care of the monastery and holds masses for the souls of the deceased monarchs buried there[3]. The architecture of the building is based off a grill-like pattern to commemorate Saint Lorenzo, who was martyred on a grill and is the patron saint of the building[4].

Basilica Entrance

A United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site since 1984, the Escorial contains many sixteenth and seventeenth century features[5]. At the basilica entrance there are six statues representing Old Testament biblical kings and at the main entrance stands a statue of Saint Lorenzo; these monuments allude to the inner “unornamented classicism” of the Escorial[6]. Many Spanish and Italian artists were commissioned to decorate the Escorial, among them including Pellegrino Tibaldi, Federico Zuccaro, El Greco, Luca Giordano, and Claudio Coello[7]. Philip II housed hundreds of relics in the Escorial, as he spent much of his time at the end of his life at the Escorial and the library contains close to 45,000 documents from the 15th and 16th centuries[8].  The Escorial is still home to many Renaissance and baroque style paintings and tapestries, as well as countless other artifacts and art.

Valley of the Fallen Monument

Also located in Madrid is the Valley of the Fallen. The Valle de los Caídos, or the Valley of the Fallen, was built between 1940 and 1958 and holds the tallest cross in the world at four hundred and ninety two feet[9]. At the base of the cross are statues of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John[10]. Construction of the monument was ordered by dictator General Francisco Franco to commemorate those that had died on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. The Spanish Civil War was a culmination of political instability and was fought from 1936 to 1939; it is estimated that there were over 500,000 deaths[11] The main sides were nationalist (led by Franco) and republican (led by the Spanish government), ultimately ending with nationalist victory and Franco's dictatorship from 1939 to 1975[12]. The Valley of the Fallen stands as a reflection of this time. 

The Cross

The resting place of Franco, José Antonio Primo de Rivera, and approximately forty thousand Nationalist and Republican soldiers, the Valley of the Fallen also contains a church[13].  The main entrance to the church contains eight sculptures that commemorate those that died during the war, followed by sculptures of the four archangels surrounding the four corners of the church[14]. Both the tombs of Francisco Franco and José Antonio Primo de Rivera are on display on opposite sides of the center crucifix. 

View Facing the Valley of the Fallen

Both of historical significance, the Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen stand as tributes to Spain’s history. The Escorial serves as a reminder of Spanish influences throughout its centuries of use and preserves many Spanish artifacts. While very controversial, the Valley of the Fallen is a reminder of what occurred during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930’s and commemorates the war’s impact on the Spanish people.  While photos are not permitted inside either location, both remain a testament to Spanish history and culture.

Works Cited

“About El Escorial.” El-Escorial.com. El Escorial, 2014. http://www.el-escorial.com/. (accessed February 6, 2014).

“El Valle de Los Caídos.” valledeloscaidos.es. Abadía de la Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos, 2010. http://www.valledeloscaidos.es/vive/planifica. (accessed February 6, 2014).

“Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid,” unesco.org. UNESCO, 2014. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/318. (accessed February 6, 2014).
"ROYAL MONASTERY OF SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL," spain.info.  Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2014, http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/arte/monumentos/madrid/real_monasterio_de_san_lorenzo_de_el_escorial.html (accessed February 6, 2014). 
"San Lorenzo del Escorial." tripadvisor.com. TripAdvisor LLC., 2014. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g562659-c180221/San-Lorenzo-De-El-Escorial:Spain:Escolania.Del.Escorial.html. (accessed February 6, 2014). 

"Spanish Civil War." schoolnet.co.uk. Spartacus Educational, 2014. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WARspain.htm. (accessed February 6, 2014).

“Valley of the Fallen, The.” feelmadrid.com. FeelMadrid, 2011. http://www.feelmadrid.com/valleyofthefallen.html. (accessed February 6, 2014).

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[1] “About El Escorial,” El-Escorial.com. El Escorial, 2014, http://www.el-escorial.com/ (accessed February 6, 2014).

[2] Ibid.
[3] "San Lorenzo del Escorial," tripadvisor.com. TripAdvisor LLC., 2014, http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g562659-c180221/San-Lorenzo-De-El-Escorial:Spain:Escolania.Del.Escorial.html (accessed February 6, 2014). 

[4] “About El Escorial,” El-Escorial.com. El Escorial, 2014.

[5] “Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid,” unesco.org. UNESCO, 2014, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/318 (accessed February 6, 2014).

[6] “About El Escorial,” El-Escorial.com. El Escorial, 2014.

[7] Ibid.
[8] "ROYAL MONASTERY OF SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL," spain.info.  Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2014, http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/arte/monumentos/madrid/real_monasterio_de_san_lorenzo_de_el_escorial.html (accessed February 6, 2014). 

[9] “The Valley of the Fallen,” feelmadrid.com. FeelMadrid, 2011, http://www.feelmadrid.com/valleyofthefallen.html (accessed February 6, 2014).
[10] Ibid.
[11] "Spanish Civil War," schoolnet.co.uk. Spartacus Educational, 2014, http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WARspain.htm (accessed February 6, 2014).

[12] Ibid.

[13] “The Valley of the Fallen,” feelmadrid.com. FeelMadrid, 2011.

[14] “El Valle de Los Caídos,” valledeloscaidos.es. Abadía de la Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos, 2010, http://www.valledeloscaidos.es/vive/planifica (accessed February 6, 2014).