King Felipe II ordered El Escorial built in celebration of Spain's victory over French forces in 1557 at the battle of St. Quentin, in France.
El Escorial was built in celebration of Spain's 1557 victory.
The surrounding green hills are topped by numerous temples of both religions, the best known being on Gridhakuta (Vulture's Peak), where Buddha is believed to have converted the once fierce Mauryan warrior king Bimbisara to the peaceful doctrine of non-violence.