I have visited the Valley of the Fallen quite a few times, and on this occasion I went with a friend that was visiting from London. I cannot impress on you how big everything about the Monument at the Valley Of The Fallen is. As you drive along the motorway and you see the cross come into view nestled on a mountain top, you can´t really get a perspective, but then you get closer.
The most striking thing for me other than seeing the ¨tallest cross in the world¨ was the sheer size of the base. The cross is 150m high with cross section of 46m and weighs more than a staggering 200,000 tons! Even after you see it it takes a while for your mind to take it in.
If you are planning a trip to the monument and would like to know about El Escorial and valley of the fallen tours, this is the tour we went on the first time we ever visited the Valley of the Fallen in Spain.
I want to let you know how our trip went, and also give you a little more information about the Valley of the Fallen, it’s history and some of the controversies that have surrounded it, making it an even more famous/infamous monument here in Spain.
Why Was The Valley Of Fallen Monument Built
Between the years of 1936 – 1939, the Spanish Civil war happened, and this deeply divided the country of Spain. A fight between the Republicans who were in favor of a the democratic republic and the Nationalists led by General Francisco Franco. The war started over the political instability fueled by regional tensions and ideological differences.
A lot of lives were lost, and the Nationalists came out victorious with ¨Franco¨ at the helm who led his dictatorship until his death in 1975. Franco commissioned the build of the Basilica and Cross at the Valley of The fallen. The purpose being to serve as a monument to remember those who dies in the war, but also to symbolize the win of the Nationalists over the rest.
Although a monument to the fallen, for those opposed to Franco´s views, it has always been a bit of a thorn in the side. It is though of as glorifying Franco’s leadership. But the body of Franco’s grave was moved and is no longer in the Basilica in an attempt to ease some of these tensions.
It’s good to understand the significance of a place, but you also want to be able to enjoy the experience without feeling any guilt or bias to either side. I think of it as a testament to what man can build with imagination and two hands. I respect all that has gone in to making the Valley of the Fallen in all aspects, and enjoy every visit like it was the first.
Where is the Valley Of The Fallen, Spain?
The Valley of the Fallen is 50km (31) northwest of Madrid in the Guadarrama mountain range. My kids are a little older now, but we would come and visit one of the little towns or villages in this area almost every week for years. Guadarrama is some of the most beautiful Spanish countryside you could ever wish to see.
Surrounded by forests, rolling hills, streams, it’s a dream day out with the kids, alone, with friends. We would go and see the Basilica, the cross, then spend the rest of the afternoon having a picnic on a random patch of grass with amazing views over the countryside.
I have visited the area in all seasons, and the valley has a different look and feel each time. In the spring you see miles of colorful wildflowers giving life to the surroundings. The summer brings a golden glow the dry grass and autumn paints the entire valley in shades of amber and crimson.
The views on the way to the Valley of the Fallen can be just as breathtaking as the monument itself. When you get to the Valley of the Fallen, and you stand out in the courtyard, you will feel what I am trying to put into words here.
How to get to the Valley of the Fallen
It’s actually pretty easy to get to the Valley of the Fallen. I took a tour to the Valley of the Fallen once, and it was an amazing experience to hear all the history about the monument. You can never forget the first time you visit.
Getting from Madrid to the Valley of the Fallen:
Valley of the Fallen By Car: If you have are renting a car in Madrid, the most convenient option is to drive, which takes about 1 hour. Take the A6 motorway towards La Coruña, and then follow signs for the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos).
When you get close you will see the cross over to your left, so it makes it pretty easy to find.
Valley of the Fallen by By Bus: Regular bus services operate from Madrid to the Valley of the Fallen. Check the schedules and routes of bus companies such as Rome2Rio. You also have the Line 684 from the Moncloa interchange to Guadarrama.
Then you have the Lines 661 and 664 that will take you to San Lorenzo de Escorial.
Valley of the Fallen by Train ( Renfe ): from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial or Collado Villalba. In both cases, another means of transportation is necessary to reach the hostel.
Getting to the Valley of The Fallen from other cities
Other major cities like Segovia, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the monument, also offer convenient access to the site. Whether you’re based in Madrid or exploring the nearby towns or villages, a visit to the Valley of the Fallen can easily be incorporated into your travel plans.
The Monumental Cross at the Valley of the Fallen
It stands at 150m (492) feet in height. It is one of the tallest crosses in the world. You can really feel the sheer size when you are standing at the base looking up.
The cross holds significant religious symbolism, representing Christianity and serving as a memorial for those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War. A visual representation of faith, sacrifice, and reconciliation.
The cross is made of granite and was constructed using traditional masonry methods, so a lot of hard work. From start to finish, it took 18 years to complete the cross at the Valley of the Fallen (1940-1959).
Something else you want to see is the 14 meter (46ft) high statue of Jesus at the base of the cross. The sculpture is made of white marble and is named ¨Christ of the Fallen¨.
It may just look like a giant cross, but once you get close and take it in, you see there is detail and craftsmanship in every inch of detail.
On the base of the cross there are four giant sculptures (18m in height) carved by Juan de Ávalos (1911-2006) depicting the four Evangelists:
– Saint Luke with a bull.
– Saint John with an eagle.
– Saint Mark with a lion.
– Saint Matthew with a man.
The Basilica at the Valley of the Fallen
It is a massive underground basilica built into the side of a mountain, and the size of it is hard to fathom. I remember coming out of there and not understanding how they were able to carve out the inside of a mountain.
You walk through a huge entrance with the giant cross above. The ceilings are so high, you immediately forget you are underground inside of a mountain.
Inside the basilica, there is a large nave with a high altar, decorated with mosaics and sculptures.
The underground crypt used to house the tomb of Francisco Franco. The remains of Franco were moved to a family vault at a cemetery in Madrid, where they were re-buried next to his late wife.
The Valley of the Fallen also includes a Benedictine abbey and a monastery, which are still active. The site is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and serves as a place of pilgrimage for some visitors.
FAQ´s
Is there a valley of the fallen Spain day trip from Madrid?
If you have gotten your hands on a car, then driving to the Valley of the Fallen will not be difficult at all. But if you want to avoid driving and book a tour, this is the one we went on the first time we visited.
Who is buried in the valley of the fallen?
The most prominent figure buried in the basilica there was General Franco, but the remains have since been moved. On the grounds, there are also burial sites for thousands that died in the Spanish civil war.
When was valley of the fallen built?
The Valley of the Fallen was built between 1940 and 1959.
Who built the valley of the fallen?
The Valley of the Fallen was built under the direction of Francisco Franco’s regime, and some 40,000 prisoners were used for labor.
How long does it take to see the valley of the fallen?
If you are wondering how long to spend at the Valley of the Fallen, you can get a really good view of everything in a couple of hours.
Who put Franco’s body in the Valley of the Fallen?
After Franco’s death in 1975, his body was interred in the Valley of the Fallen by the Spanish government at the time, following his wishes and the decision made by his family.
How much did it cost to make valley of the fallen?
The project took over 2 decades to complete, so all we really know is that it cost a lot! The figures have never been released to the public.
What is the name of the monastery at the valley of the fallen shrine?
The name of the monastery at the Valley of the Fallen shrine is the Basílica de la Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos, which translates to the Basilica of the Holy Cross of the Valley of the Fallen.
How tall is the cross in the valley of the fallen?
The cross in the Valley of the Fallen stands at a height of approximately 150 meters (492 feet).
In Conclusion
Going to see the Valley of the Fallen monument can be an entire day out. Whenever we pay a visit, we will go the the Valley of the Fallen first and see the cross, the Basilica, walk around the grounds for a little. Then we always take a little walk in the woods around and have a picnic.
From here, its pretty close to El Escorial as well. We usually take a trip here as well, and make a day of it. See some of the sights, grab a drink at one of the many bars. Stay for dinner if like, but remember you have to get back home so don´t stay out too late.