King Philip II of Spain's desk at the Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Spain).

After completion of the Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial in 1584, King Philip II of Spain worked from his office there till his death in 1598. During these years in the Escorial, Philip II made some of the most significant decisions that shaped the destiny of Spain and its vast empire. His reign from the Escorial was marked by a blend of religious, political, and military strategies aimed at consolidating Spanish hegemony in Europe and beyond.

One of Philip II’s most defining decisions was the continuation of the Spanish Armada’s preparations against England, culminating in the ill-fated 1588 naval campaign. This endeavor was driven by a combination of religious zeal to restore Catholicism in Protestant England and strategic considerations to curb English interference in Spanish interests.

Philip II also played a pivotal role in managing Spain’s territorial empire, including the administration of the Americas, the Spanish Netherlands, and various Italian states. His decisions on colonial expansion and the protection of trade routes from piracy ensured Spain's economic dominance, albeit strained by military expenses.

Religious orthodoxy remained central to his rule, with Philip enforcing the decrees of the Council of Trent. He strengthened the Spanish Inquisition to maintain Catholic purity, making Spain the bulwark of Counter-Reformation Europe. His rule also saw the completion of the Escorial itself, reflecting his belief in the unity of church and state.

Furthermore, Philip navigated complex European alliances and conflicts, including wars with France and revolts in the Netherlands. His policies aimed at suppressing Protestant uprisings while maintaining Spain's influence across the continent.

Philip II’s governance from the Escorial thus encompassed critical decisions that influenced European geopolitics, religious dynamics, and global exploration. His legacy remains deeply intertwined with the history of early modern Europe and the enduring image of the Escorial as a symbol of imperial grandeur and devout kingship.