The Valley of the Fallen in Madrid

Image | FLICKR Jesús Pérez Pacheco

The northern mountains of Madrid are one of the most beautiful places to visit within the Community. A place full of spectacular landscapes that mix with the interesting historical and cultural heritage of its towns, which makes any getaway a delight.

The Sierra de Guadarrama is one of those corners that is worth visiting both for its nature and for being the home of a colossal construction such as the so-called Valley of the Fallen.

It is the largest monument-mausoleum of the Spanish Civil War where more than 30.000 people are buried. Exaltation of the Franco dictatorship for some and Basilica of reconciliation for others, the truth is that it is a controversial building currently managed by National Heritage that bears witness to a stage in the history of Spain.

Image | The country

According to National Heritage, the Valley of the Fallen is a monumental complex that was ordered to be built by General Francisco Franco for a religious and social purpose, as stated in the founding documents of 1957 and 1958. The commission was made to Pedro Muguruza who in 1950 was relieved by Diego Méndez due to an illness.

Valley of the Fallen Cross

The most striking thing about the exterior of the Valley of the Fallen is a large granite cross visible from the surroundings of the monument that exceeds the famous Statue of Liberty in New York by more than 50 meters. It is located in the middle of a pine forest on the rock of Cuelgamuros, near San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Image | Flickr Ana Alas

Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen

In the hill of La Nava the Sepulchral Basilica is excavated. It is accessed from the front esplanade, closed by a semi-circular arched exedra on the part of the mountain that presents the entrance to the interior of the temple in its center. On the bronze door you can see the Pietà de Juan de Ávalos, a sculpture made of black stone from Calatorao (Zaragoza).

The Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen is 262 meters long and at the transept it reaches its maximum height reaching 41 meters. After going through the entrance halls, you come to the gate that gives access to the church, the work of José Espinós.

Inside the basilica, on the sides, there are six chapels dedicated to different invocations of the Virgin Mary as Patroness of the Armies and for their connection to important chapters in the history of Spain.

In the spaces between chapels, eight tapestries with scenes from the Book of Revelation were placed, copies of a Flemish collection from the XNUMXth century bought by King Carlos I of Spain. The originals are in the Real Sitio de la Granja de Segovia.

Behind each chapel and the two large side chapels of the transept (Sepulcher and Santísimo) lie the remains of more than 30.000 people from both sides who died during the Spanish Civil War. as a symbol of reconciliation and brotherhood. Here is also the tomb of General Francisco Franco, head of state between 1939 and 1975.

Image | Confidential Religion

Valley of the Fallen Abbey

In order to attend to the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen and given the spiritual dimension of the monument, the idea was had of founding a Benedictine abbey in this place. In 1955 a monastic order was chosen and the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos was asked to carry out the foundation work.

The current number of monks in the Valley is 23, some of whom belong to the group of founders who arrived in 1958.

Santa Cruz del Escorial Hostel

Located within the monumental complex of the Valley of the Fallen is the Hospedería Santa Cruz del Escorial. Surrounded by nature and open to the public almost all year round, It is used as a place of retreat by those who wish to carry out spiritual exercises or seek tranquility to study, rest or carry out a convention or course.

The Hospedería del Valle de los Caídos has 220 rooms on two floors. It also has a chapel, a library and a restaurant. Those who stay here have free access to the Valley of the Fallen.

Image | Pressdigital

Hours and tickets to the Valley of the Fallen

Schedule

  • Winter hours (October to March): Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
  • Summer hours (April to September): Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00

Weekly closing: Monday throughout the year. When liturgical mass is given, access to the abbey is not allowed.

Precios de las entradas

  • Basic rate: 9 euros
  • Reduced rate: 4 euros
  • Free rate: May 18 (International Museum Day), October 12 (National Holiday of Spain) and unemployed.

How to get to the Valley of the Fallen?

The Valley of the Fallen is located on the Guadarrama / El Escorial road. 28209. Valley of Cuelgamuros (Madrid). Visitor access at km 1 of the Guadarrama Highway (M-600).

  • Bus: To access from San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Line 660 in the Plaza de la Virgen de Gracia s / n (Autocares Herranz)
  • Car: To get there from Madrid: A-6, detour to the M-600; and from San Lorenzo de El Escorial: M-600 road.

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