Rare 16th-century choir stalls at Charles V’s monastery open to public

Charles V abdicated in 1555–56, seeking a quiet life at a monastery to grow cabbages. Restored after decades, its church choir featuring rare 16th-century carvings of mythical beasts…

Charles V abdicated in 1555–56, seeking a quiet life at a monastery to grow cabbages. Restored after decades, its church choir featuring rare 16th-century carvings of mythical beasts and an armadillo is now open to the public. Despite a lavish retreat, he died at 58 from illness.