Plattegrond van het Escorial 1665 - 1706

Jeremias Falck created this floor plan of El Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain, in the 17th century. This drawing represents not just a building, but the ambition and power of the Spanish monarchy during that era. The Escorial itself was a statement piece, designed to reflect the might of the Spanish empire during its Golden Age. A deeply Catholic country, its monarchy often used religious symbols to reinforce its divine right to rule. It was built to commemorate a decisive battle that consolidated the power of the Spanish crown. Examining this floor plan today, we can reflect on how architecture is inherently linked to identity, power, and historical context. The Escorial stands as an emblem of a period marked by exploration, religious conflict, and immense wealth inequality, all etched into the very stones of this imposing structure.