Silla de Felipe II

A view from the steps

A short hike from Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the Silla de Felipe II.Is the "Silla de Felipe II", a vantage point with huge granite boulders with steps carved out. The most common belief is that Philip II used it as a view point to check up on construction of his huge palace but it was later suggested by academics that it was a pre-Roman site used for animal sacrifice and the like.

Luckily today it is used only for picnic spots and scenic views. There are a few walking paths that lead up to the site and this time of year there are a variety of wildflowers. Ample picnic tables dot the trail and I can imagine that it's a wonderful spot for everyone, from families to solo folks walking their dog. One can even take their vehicle directly up to the top and there is a small bar (closed when we were there) though it has bathroom facilities that appeared to be open. 

I will add this place to a list of day trips around Madrid. Beautiful views and a scenic site to enjoy a bocata, what more does one need?

A relatively lush backdrop this time of year