The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial sits near Madrid as Spain’s historic royal residence and pilgrimage complex. It blends palace, monastery and library, reflecting Habsburg-era statecraft.
Wildfires in southwestern France near Bordeaux and near Madrid in Spain have forced mass evacuations. The French army is aiding the response as winds threaten to worsen the fires. EU support and cross-border cooperation are in play as authorities race to contain blazes that have already scorched thousands of hectares.