El Escorial- how much time to visit and not rush it

I don't believe the palace opens until 10:00 am. We arrived around 12:30 pm, walked up to the town for lunch, and began our visit around 2:00 pm. Most would probably be done in 2 hours, but we were there for around 3 I'm guessing. I felt the time allotted was perfect. There's a lot to experience there, so depending on your interests, you may spend more or less time in key areas. Personally, I found the palace itself, the library, the basilica, and the grounds to be utterly enjoyable. It's not a fancy Baroque palace...feels more like a fortress but is an amazing place...a top site in Europe IMHO. I'll place it up there with Melk Abbey...different for sure but a must-see powerhouse of a site. The history there is magnificent. Plan on 3 hours if you don't want to rush it. BTW, the little town right there is a great place for lunch or dinner.

Thanks Michael. I loved the Melk Abbey so that gives me a good idea of what to expect. Long story short is we're limited to a couple of days in Madrid. Outside of the obvious (Prado, the feel of the town, etc) I really would like to see this site while in the area. I sure between getting there, seeing the place and getting back to Madrid I'm looking at 2 pm or so.

El Escorial is a winner, and I am surprised more people don't rave about it. Three hours is about right, maybe four at the most. I liked the mausoleum and the models in the section about the holding of the place. There is also a poignant painting of monks dying by hanging for their faith that I still remember. I love Madrid and hope to go back soon. Would have a hard time going to Madrid without a third visit to el Escorial. Make sure and see the Velasquez portraits at the Prado, which will lend context to your El Escorial visit.

I thought I would just add that El Escorial is so imposing...you start to get glimpses of it through the trees on your walk up through the park. Once you get close, it's most impressive...one of those sites that seems much bigger than you pictured in your mind's eye...sort of like the Eiffel Tower...much more impressive than you imagined before your trip. The aqueduct of Segovia is really something, but El Escorial is incredible. Not fancy like Versailles but amazing nonetheless. It sits right in front of the mountains...quite a sight. Enjoy the visit!!!

Thanks for the opinions. I remember driving up in the middle of nowhere to see the Melk Abbey. What an impressive site. I've got some friends that I'm meeting over there and their time is limited. I would like for them to join me but I don't want to drag them out there and be disappointed.