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One man's cathedral by Bruno Rascao(13 images)
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  • At his more than 80 years Justo is aware that there is every possibility that the cathedral may be razed to the ground immediately after his death. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • He also does not have the benediction or support of the Catholic Church. The cathedral has been bequeathed by him to the Bishopric of nearby Alcalá de Henares. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • He has worked mainly alone, with help from his six nephews and occasional volunteers. Sometimes he has consulted an expert at his own expense. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • Justo Gallego Martínez (born 1925) is a Spanish ex-monk who has been building his own cathedral in the Spanish village of Mejorada del Campo, 18 km from Madrid, since 1961. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • 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. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • Martínez is a farmer. "The plans have only ever existed in my head" and have evolved over time in response to opportunity and inspiration. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • He finances his work by renting or selling farmland he has inherited and through private donations. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • He says that his building is dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Pilar ("Our Lady of the Pillar"), an advocation of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose main shrine is in Zaragoza. He had promised her, that if he recovered from the tuberculosis which had struck him down, he would build a shrine in her honour. Its dome is 40 meters high. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • As a young man, Justo Gallego joined a monastery in Soria, but had to leave after eight years, when he contracted tuberculosis and his health deteriorated. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • He does not have formal planning permission or building permits from the authorities of Mejorada del Campo. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • In 2005, an advertising campaign for the Aquarius soft drink gave him and his cathedral Spain-wide exposure. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • The shell of the building is complete -- covering the 20x50 meter plot. Some 8,000m2 have been built -- or are underway. They include a complex ensemble of cloisters, offices, lodgings and a library. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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  • The mayor of Mejorada del Campo declares that to date not one architect or builder has been prepared to take responsibility for this building. Questions are raised concerning its foundations and bracings, and nobody wants to be responsible for its structural integrity. By photographer VIA - Visuals
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