Valle de los Caidos and El Escorial

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Valle de los Caidos translates to the Valley of the Fallen. It was conceived by the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco to honor those who died during the Spanish Civil War and as a national act of atonement. Over 2,000 bodies are buried in a tomb in the church. The church was very beautiful since it was carved out of a mountain and overlooks El Escorial and the suburbs of Madrid. El Escorial was built to serve as a royal monastery and summer retreat for the Spanish monarchy. Most of the Spanish monarchy included King Phillip II and Queen Isabella are buried in the castle.

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