University of St. Thomas: El Escorial - Summer Law School Program in Spain

St. Thomas University School of Law and Barry University School of Law are pleased to provide students with exciting opportunities to study abroad during the summer semester. Click here to see the gallery from previous summer sessions!

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain, commonly referred to as El Escorial, is the setting for the Study in Spain program, and is located in the foothills of the beautiful Guadarrama Mountains, about 45 minutes from Madrid. El Escorial's mountain setting means it enjoys a temperate year-round climate, and provides direct access to hiking trails and other natural areas. El Escorial is perhaps best known as the site of the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a Spanish royal site, palace, and monastery. The large complex dates from the 16th century, and the monastery has served as the primary burial site for the Spanish monarchy since. The site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and also contains a museum and remarkable Royal Library, which contains many important illuminated manuscripts and items collected from throughout Europe and elsewhere where the Spanish held influence.

Madrid is one of the cultural capitals of the world. There are about forty museums, the most famous of which, the Prado, and the new Thyssen museums, are within walking distance of each other. The boulevards, such as the Grand Via, and plazas, such as the Puerta del Sol, offer enjoyable strolling and visiting at a myriad of outdoor cafes. Shopping can be done in modern department stores, or bargains found at the Rastro bazaar on Sundays. Retiro Park is huge, and offers miles of shaded walkways and a variety of entertainment: from lavish Flamenco dancing to strolling musicians, and artists who will sketch one's portrait in a matter of minutes. Madrid also features a modern transportation system, including subway, bus, and rail systems, and is home to the Madrid-Barjas International Airport, allowing both easy access to all that Madrid has to offer and to the rest of Spain and Europe.