The Inspiring Story of Justo Gallego Martínez and His Unique Cathedral

Justo Gallego Martínez, a former monk, has spent 60 years building a cathedral in the outskirts of the Spanish capital out of anything he can find. Until recently, its future seemed bleak.

Editor’s Note: On November 28, 2021, six days after this piece was published, Spanish press reported that Justo Gallego Martínez had died at the age of 96.

A Cathedral Built from Resilience

Towering over a nondescript Madrid suburb, the Cathedral of Justo Gallego is a vision in broken brick, colored glass, and concrete. Made from mostly salvaged materials, the 4700-square-meter (50,590-square-foot) building is the life’s work of an ex-monk who constructed it almost single-handedly, without plans or permission. Although visitors come in droves to marvel at this architectural masterpiece, authorities have tended to overlook its existence, with neither the town council of Mejorada del Campo nor the Catholic Church willing to take responsibility for it.

For many years, it seemed as though its creator, Justo Gallego Martínez, then 96, would never be able to convince anyone in a position of power to take on the risks of a building many considered structurally unsound. In recent months, the situation appeared dire; his declining health led many to speculate that the building might face demolition. However, a dedicated NGO led by a determined priest stepped in and successfully called on structural engineers who surprisingly declared the building safe.

A Promise Made Long Ago

This isn’t the first time Gallego has confronted life-threatening challenges. Back in 1961, he left an order of Trappist monks after contracting tuberculosis. While grappling with his health, Gallego prayed to the Virgin Mary, promising to build her a cathedral if she saved him. Upon recovering, he immediately began construction on land inherited from his family. Initially, he scavenged bricks from old building sites, but as the project gained traction, locals began to offer assistance and donate materials. Over time, Gallego transformed into an inspirational figure for the community of Mejorada del Campo, and the cathedral stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.

“He’s a marvelous person; he loves to talk to people, to explain everything. A wonderful person who loves Christ,” said Ángel López, 52, who has dedicated the last 24 years of his life to learning from Gallego.

Construction and Community Involvement

Those who couldn’t give their time generously donated construction materials, leading nearby factories and building sites to contribute cement used to reinforce the cathedral’s signature pillars constructed from stacked oil drums. Rising 35m (115ft), the cathedral complex includes a crypt, two cloisters, 12 towers, and 28 cupolas. Decorative elements feature tires, ceramic shards, and empty metal cans. Broken bricks and exposed wire contribute to the building’s rugged aesthetic, embracing the imperfections inherent in its materials. Windows, painstakingly crafted from tiny beads of smashed colored glass glued into radiant sunbeam designs, illuminate the interior with vibrant red and yellow light.

Nevertheless, not everyone appreciates Gallego’s work. Comments made by architect Andrés Cánovas in 2013, suggesting the building violated safety regulations, have likely fueled the Church and town council’s hesitance to support the project.

Under New Management

Before becoming bedridden, Gallego attempted to bequeath the cathedral to the Catholic Church, but his donation was declined. He then passed the cathedral to López, who struggled to manage the situation with authorities. López eventually transferred the cumbersome responsibility to Mensajeros de la Paz (Messengers of Peace), a Catholic NGO dedicated to supporting Madrid’s unhoused population. Once the transfer was official, the organization promptly commissioned a survey from Calter, an engineering firm known for significant projects, including Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

On November 9, the news broke that Calter had declared the building structurally sound. While Gallego was unavailable for comment, those close to him confirmed he was pleased to hear that, barring the demolition of four cupolas the previous week, Calter seemed ready to approve the building.

Jesús Jiménez, Calter’s construction manager, expressed awe at the architectural achievement: “It is incredible that they built a cathedral of this scale without blueprints nor an overall design, and that this was done by a single individual,” he stated to El Mundo.

The next step involves the town council’s technical team approving the structure, and preliminary indications are positive. The municipality of Mejorada del Campo seems eager to expedite the process while simultaneously seeking to declare the structure as Bien de Interés Cultural (an asset of cultural interest) by the Community of Madrid.

A Vision for the Future

Father Ángel García Rodríguez, founder and president of Mensajeros de la Paz, is optimistic that Calter, along with the town council, will officially sign off on the building by Christmas, with a concert planned for celebration.

López, however, is more cautious as work continues on securing the open cupolas. “At the moment we are at a standstill; let’s see if we get the permits,” he stated.

One thing remains certain: officials from the Catholic Church will not attend any events at the cathedral, as the Archdiocese of Madrid continues to ignore invitations.

Father Ángel, however, has decided the cathedral shall serve as an inclusive space: “It’s not going to be a normal cathedral. Instead, it’ll be a place for men and women to gather. Those who believe and those who don’t will be welcome.” His vision echoes his commitment to serving individuals in need and ensuring the cathedral becomes a nurturing community hub.

With an outpouring of support, donations have begun to flow in. “Many people are arriving with building material, materials for windows, even offers for heating or air-conditioning,” shared Father Ángel, indicating strong community backing.

Moreover, Coca-Cola has committed to funding some of the construction work, showcasing a large portrait of Gallego made from bottle caps within the cathedral, continuing the company’s long association with the site.

As for a completion timeline, López remains hesitant to provide specifics, while Father Ángel holds a more hopeful vision, eyeing a three-year timeframe. Yet, uncertainty looms over whether Gallego will witness this dream come to fruition. His final wish—burial in the cathedral’s crypt—remains unfulfilled due to local council regulations.

Ultimately, Father Ángel remains optimistic about the future: “It depends on getting the permissions and on the authorities. However, his spirit will continue to reside there. It won’t be buried; it will be floating around the cathedral.”