A couple of photos of the basilica, which is decorated in typical over the top style. If you go back to the first post on El Escorial, which nobody will do, you'll see a huge dome jutting out of the middle of the complex. That is the basilica, which gives you a good idea of the size of the church, which dominates the secular parts of the complex. The basilica was designed by the architect of St Peter's in Rome, and shares many similar design elements, including a clear desire of both buildings to intimidate and awe visitors.