To travel back in time you don’t need a time machine. It is enough to have a town full of history (even better if it is a World Heritage Site), stalls with handcrafted products and a few medieval-style shows. This is how San Lorenzo de El Escorial will be transformed for three days in a Renaissance setting full of troubadours, artisans, live music and popular traditions.
Located northwest of Madrid, in the Sierra de Guadarrama, San Lorenzo de El Escorial celebrates its Renaissance market from September 19 to 21. The park of Felipe II is filled with more than 100 stalls of handicrafts and gastronomic products, shows, masks and workshops that evoke the sixteenth century.
Wizards, crafts and music
The Renaissance market opens its doors on Friday, September 19 at 2 p.m., the perfect time to sample the gastronomic offerings of different stalls. In the afternoon, starting at 4 p.m., the live performances will begin with a musical parade, children’s shows and painting and mask workshops.
The rest of the weekend, the market will remain open from 11 am until midnight. In addition to crafts and traditional food, there will be performances by troubadours, jugglers, workshops, storytellers and circus shows. All this will be framed in a medieval setting, with props, scenery and characters that give life to the Renaissance spirit.
It will also be possible to learn about the trades of the time through workshops such as miniature pottery, crowns or Renaissance masks. And, to bring this event closer to the little ones, there will be storytellers, puppet theaters, popular games and painting workshops to explore their creativity.
Under a Renaissance monastery
A 10-minute walk from the medieval flea market is the Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance promoted by Felipe II. Designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo and completed by Juan de Herrera in the 16th century, this monastery and royal residence has been considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for its monumental size.
Its more than 33,000 square meters have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Royal Basilica, the Pantheon of Kings and the majestic library are especially noteworthy. It is one of the largest buildings of Renaissance architecture in Spain and can be an ideal complement for those who visit the market.
In addition, during the month of September, on Wednesdays and Sundays, admission is free from 3 to 7 p.m. if purchased at the ticket office. The only requirement is to be a citizen of the European Union or holder of a residence or work permit in the EU. Ibero-American citizens can also benefit from this free admission , as long as they can prove their nationality.
How to get to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is approximately one hour from Madrid by car. It is also possible to arrive by public transport using the C3A commuter line to El Escorial station. From there, the historic center is about a 15 minute walk.
Another option is to take an intercity bus from the Moncloa interchange, using lines 661 or 664, which have regular schedules throughout the day.