Justo Gallego Martínez
Encyclopedia
Justo Gallego Martínez (also known as Don Justo) (born 20 September 1925 in Soria
) is a former monk
who has been erecting a cathedral-like
building in the Spanish village of Mejorada del Campo
(near Madrid) since 1961.
. As a young man, he joined a Trappist
monastery
but had to leave in 1961, after eight years, when he contracted tuberculosis
and his health deteriorated in the monastic regime. He began to build a cathedral on a plot of land he had inherited from his parents. He had promised that if he recovered from the tuberculosis which had struck him down, he would build a shrine in honour of the Lady of the Pillar, to whom he had prayed.
Eusebio Sanchez Dominges the parish priest described Gallego Martinez as a devout man, who attends mass every Sunday.
There are no formal plans for the building. It has evolved over time in response to opportunity and inspiration. One inspiration has been the Cupola of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.
The outline of building is 20x50 metres. An area of about 8,000m2 has been built. This includes a complex ensemble of cloisters, offices, lodgings and a library. The cathedral already has a dome (modelled on St Peters) rising to some 40 metres, some 12 metres in diameter — whose steel girders were raised with the aid of his six nephews using pulleys. For almost 20 years, Gallego Martínez has had the support for his building project by a local called Angel Lopez Sanchez.
Most of the building materials and tools he uses for construction are recycled. He uses both everyday objects and excess construction materials donated by construction companies and a nearby brick factory. For instance, the columns have been moulded with old petrol drums.
It is estimated that it may take another 15 to 20 years to complete the building.
The structure consists also of a convent, library, offices and living areas.
Gallego Martínez has worked mainly alone, with help from his six nephews and occasional volunteers. Sometimes he has consulted an expert at his own expense. In summer volunteers sometimes lend a hand, but for the heavy work he hires a local assistant at his own expense. In 2005, an advertising campaign for the Aquarius
soft drink gave him and his cathedral Spain-wide exposure. Gallego Martínez lives with his sister nearby. He has financed his work by selling and renting some of his inherited farmland. Private donations from supporters and visitors are also given.
A certified architect has offered pro bono services to aid legalising the building.
while others consider it merely an eyesore
that officials have not done enough to prevent.
Soria
Soria is a city in north-central Spain, the capital of the province of Soria in the autonomous community of Castile and León. , the municipality has a population of c. 39,500 inhabitants, nearly 40% of the population of the province...
) is a former monk
Monk
A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of monks, while always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose...
who has been erecting a cathedral-like
Cathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
building in the Spanish village of Mejorada del Campo
Mejorada del Campo
Mejorada del Campo is a town located about 20km from Madrid. The town has a self built cathedral which is still under construction of one former monk, Justo Gallego Martínez.-External links:* by Aliocha and by Alessio Rigo de Righi**...
(near Madrid) since 1961.
Life and inspiration
Gallego Martínez was a farmer and bullfighter. His mother was very pious. His school education was interrupted by the Spanish Civil WarSpanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil WarAlso known as The Crusade among Nationalists, the Fourth Carlist War among Carlists, and The Rebellion or Uprising among Republicans. was a major conflict fought in Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939...
. As a young man, he joined a Trappist
TRAPPIST
TRAPPIST is Belgian robotic telescope in Chile which came online in 2010, and is an acronym for TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope, so named in homage to Trappist beer produced in the Belgian region. Situated high in the Chilean mountains at La Silla Observatory, it is actually...
monastery
Monastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
but had to leave in 1961, after eight years, when he contracted tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
and his health deteriorated in the monastic regime. He began to build a cathedral on a plot of land he had inherited from his parents. He had promised that if he recovered from the tuberculosis which had struck him down, he would build a shrine in honour of the Lady of the Pillar, to whom he had prayed.
Eusebio Sanchez Dominges the parish priest described Gallego Martinez as a devout man, who attends mass every Sunday.
"The Cathedral"
The outline of building is 20x50 metres. An area of about 8,000m2 has been built. This includes a complex ensemble of cloisters, offices, lodgings and a library. The cathedral already has a dome (modelled on St Peters) rising to some 40 metres, some 12 metres in diameter — whose steel girders were raised with the aid of his six nephews using pulleys. For almost 20 years, Gallego Martínez has had the support for his building project by a local called Angel Lopez Sanchez.
Most of the building materials and tools he uses for construction are recycled. He uses both everyday objects and excess construction materials donated by construction companies and a nearby brick factory. For instance, the columns have been moulded with old petrol drums.
It is estimated that it may take another 15 to 20 years to complete the building.
The structure consists also of a convent, library, offices and living areas.
Support and finance
The building does not have formal planning permission or building permits from the authorities of Mejorada del Campo — the town in which the cathedral is located (20 km east of Madrid under the flight-path to the Barajas airport). He also does not have the benediction or support of the Catholic Church.Gallego Martínez has worked mainly alone, with help from his six nephews and occasional volunteers. Sometimes he has consulted an expert at his own expense. In summer volunteers sometimes lend a hand, but for the heavy work he hires a local assistant at his own expense. In 2005, an advertising campaign for the Aquarius
Aquarius (sports drink)
Aquarius is a mineral sports drink manufactured by The Coca-Cola Company. It originated in, and was first introduced in 1983 in Japan as a grapefruit-flavored sports drink, as a response to a competitor's brand of sports drink called Pocari Sweat. It was introduced to Spain and Portugal in 1991,...
soft drink gave him and his cathedral Spain-wide exposure. Gallego Martínez lives with his sister nearby. He has financed his work by selling and renting some of his inherited farmland. Private donations from supporters and visitors are also given.
A certified architect has offered pro bono services to aid legalising the building.
Reception
Citizens of the area have mixed views on the ongoing project; some view it as a positive tourist attractionTourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities....
while others consider it merely an eyesore
Eyesore
An eyesore is an unpleasant view. Its technical usage is as an alternative perspective to the notion of landmark. Common examples include dilapidated buildings, graffiti, litter, polluted areas and excessive commercial signage such as billboards. Some eyesores may be a matter of opinion such as...
that officials have not done enough to prevent.
External links
- "Catedral" Documentary by AliochaAliocha-Filmography :*La conduite de la Raison ** Directors Fortnight 2011 Cannes Film Festival*Catedral **Best Short Film at the London International Documentary Festival 2010...
and by Alessio Rigo de Righi - short film following Justo building the cathedral over 4 years by James Rogan (2009)
- Justo Gallegos' Cathedral, photos and videos
- Le chantier de Dieu in GEO 360° (ARTE TV)
- "Justo Gallego y la Catedral de la Virgen del Pilar en Mejorada del Campo, la otra historia"