A pantheon to the Spanish monarchs

Based on these intentions, Philip II ordered the construction of this complex, dominated by the monastery, which he entrusted to the monks from the order of St. Jerome, an order that had historical links to the monarchy. Its church would be used as a royal pantheon, although this was a desire that could not be fulfilled until later. In 1559, Philip II appointed Juan Bautista de Toledo as royal architect. The cornerstone of the monastery was laid in April 1563, two years after Madrid became the capital of Spain.