Don Justo and its cathedral (17 photos)

usto Gallego, also known as Don Justo and madman - a self-taught Spanish architect who has devoted his life to the construction of the cathedral.

Justo Gallego Martinez (Justo Gallego Martinez) was born September 20, 1925 in the town of Mejorada del Campo (Mejorada del Campo), located near Madrid. Since childhood, had a strong faith in God and in the age of 27 went to the monastery. There he stayed for 8 years and was forced to leave it, because contracted tuberculosis and was afraid of infecting others.



In ferklempted returned to his hometown. Since religious feelings are not weakened, he decided to build on the legacy of their parents stead Cathedral. Don Justo had no high-grade education, no knowledge of architecture and building technology, no building permit, and a clear plan - but the work began. An idea of ​​what should look like Cathedral, he learned from illustrated books about cathedrals and castles. Since the beginning of the construction of Don Justo rises every day at 3:30 in the morning and gets to work. Periodically he appeared assistants, but a large part of the time he works alone. The materials he uses construction waste and materials donated by construction companies.
Unfinished Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar (Nuestra Senora del Pilar). According to legend, St. Virgin appeared to the apostle Santiago on the banks of the river Ebro and supported the saint in his difficult missionary duty - the spread of Christianity in Spain. And Our Lady appeared standing on a column (column, pillar - Spanish pilar), hence the name of the Holy Virgin of Pilar. The cult of Our Lady of Pilar is one of the most respected and well-known in Catholic Spain.
Cathedral occupies an area of ​​20 x 50 meters. The dome rises to 60 meters. The cathedral has a complex layout and includes a library, offices and residences. The cathedral is not completed and it is unknown whether the time to Don Justo complete it.
Cathedral at the moment is not designed as a structure and not blessed by the Catholic Church. The opinions of local residents with respect to the Cathedral not differ by unity - has both supporters and opponents. The Cathedral is a local landmark that attracts tourists.

































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