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The basílica takes the form of a Greek cross, with vaults decorated with frescoes by Luca Giordano.

Felipe II’s personal quarters appear surprisingly modest – just three simply furnished rooms with whitewashed walls and terracotta tiling. Look out for the hand chair used to carry the gout-ridden king on his last journey here in 1598.

Work on the domed burial chamber directly under the high altar of the basílica, was completed in 1654. The walls were surfaced with marble, bronze and jasper by Giovanni Battista Crescenzi.

The vaulted ceilings were decorated in the 17th century by Italian artists Fabrizio Castello and Nicola Granelo. Hanging from the walls are priceless canvases by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Velázquez and El Greco.

The magnificent barrel-vaulted hall has stunning ceiling frescoes by Italian artists. The shelves contain 4,000 precious manuscripts and 40,000 folio volumes – arranged facing outwards to allow air to permeate the pages.

Recently restored, this gallery is decorated with superb frescoes by 16th-century Italian artists. The paintings were intended to validate Felipe II’s military campaigns.

Look up from this magnificent staircase to admire the “Glory of the Spanish monarchy” frescoes by Luca Giordano.

Felipe II enjoyed indoor walks in this airy gallery. The meridians on the floor were added in the 18th century.

This courtyard offers the best view of the basílica façade, its twin belltowers and awe-inspiring dome. The larger-than-life statues of Old Testament kings over the portal give the courtyard its name.

This small exhibition of plans, scale models and workmen’s tools explains how El Escorial was constructed. Note the wooden cranes and hoists used to haul the blocks of granite into place.