Famous building, Spain; about 27 miles northwest of Madrid, known as El real Monasterio de San Lorenzo del Escorial, comprising a monastery, church, mausoleum, palace, college, library, and art-galleries. It was begun by Philip II in 1563 to commemorate the victory of Saint Quentin, August 10, 1557. The plan of the building, in the shape of a gridiron, is thought to have been suggested by the fate of Saint Lawrence, on whose feast the battle was fought. The architect was Juan Bautista de Toledo; after his death it was completed by Juan de Herrera. The finest building is the Doric church; under the altar is the royal mausoleum of the kings of Spain. The convent is occupied by Augustinian monks, who serve the church and conduct the college. The palace is a treasure-house of art and learning, containing manuscripts, tapestries, and paintings.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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