Justo Gallego Martínez

Gallego Martínez at work, 2010

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.^[1]

Life and inspiration

Gallego Martínez was a farmer and bullfighter. His mother was very pious.^[2] His school education was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War.^[2] 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.^[3] 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.^[4]

"The Cathedral"

"The Cathedral" built by Justo Gallego Martínez, Mejorada del Campo, 2005

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.^[5] For almost 20 years, Gallego Martínez has had the support for his building project by a local called Angel Lopez Sanchez.^[2]

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.^[6]

It is estimated that it may take another 15 to 20 years to complete the building^{[citation needed]}.

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 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.^[7][8]

Reception

Citizens of the area have mixed views on the ongoing project; some view it as a positive tourist attraction while others consider it merely an eyesore that officials have not done enough to prevent^{[citation needed]}.

See also

• Sagrada Família

External links

• "Catedral" Documentary by Aliocha 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"

Coordinates: 40°23′39″N 3°29′18″W / 40.39417°N 3.48833°W / 40.39417; -3.48833

References

1. ^ http://www.laetusinpraesens.org/docs00s/cathed.php
2. ^ ^{a b c} "BBC News - Madrid man builds cathedral from junk". www.bbc.co.uk. 2010-12-30. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12088560. Retrieved 2011-04-07. 
3. ^ Bannerman, Lucy (2010-04-01). "The Quixotic task of Don Justo: to build a cathedral by himself - Times Online". London: entertainment.timesonline.co.uk. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article7083402.ece. Retrieved 2010-04-19. 
4. ^ Veerle Devos 2008 "Opus Dei: Justo Gallego Martinez: Moving Heaven & Earth" DAMNmagazine (#16)
5. ^ "Lifeintransit: Don Justo". lifeintransit.net. http://lifeintransit.net/people/43-people/70-don-justo. Retrieved 2010-04-21. 
6. ^ Tremlett, Giles (2006-07-04). "After 45 years of lonely toil, Justo's DIY cathedral gets a little help from his friends". London: guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/jul/04/spain.gilestremlett1. Retrieved 2010-04-21. 
7. ^ "Spanish Cathedral Result of One Man's Work : NPR". npr.org. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6402595. Retrieved 2010-04-21. 
8. ^ "New hope for Spain DIY cathedral". news.bbc.co.uk. 2006-09-26. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5381710.stm. Retrieved 2010-04-21. 

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Name	Gallego Martinez, Justo
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Date of birth	1925
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