This Spanish Cathedral Was Constructed by Only One Man

Just outside of Madrid one man has been building his own cathedral for the last 60 years. It's one of the most incredible things you will see in Spain! Venga, let’s go! 🥝
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DON JUSTO'S ONE MAN CATHEDRAL 🔥
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I wrote about Don Justo building his cathedral back in 2013 for the Toronto Star. It was one of the most astounding things I'd seen in Spain. And finally I decided to make a video about it.
The place is remarkable -- 60 years of work of one man. Sadly, Don Justo is pretty infirm these days so has stopped working daily on the building. I suspect he hasn't got many years left. And they're working hard to get it converted to an official church.
Will it happen? Who knows - but it's certainly a unique place to visit if you're ever in Madrid.
To get out there, head to the Conde de Casal metro stop, and look for the 341 bus stop -- I've linked the precise map point below. It's only a few euros and 30 minutes each way. One of the bus stops is right alongside the cathedral - but even if you get off at the wrong stop, Mejorada isn't big.
You're supposed to pay a donation when you go in. If you want to support the building of the cathedral, head to onemancathedral.com/ where you can donate.
I suggest going in the morning, wandering around a little bit (it's open 7 days, all day), and then heading for long lunch at El Fogón de Manolo -- excellent food and a nice outdoor eating area.
Below is the link to the Google address for the bus in Madrid. Note that currently with COVID, you can't pay with cash. So you'll need to get a Multi card from the machines in the metro and fill it with tickets for B2 zone. If you're confused just say to the person in the Metro "Mejorada del Campo, autobus, multi" -- that should work!
www.google.com/maps/place/Av....
WHO ARE WE? 🥝
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Hola, Spain lovers! We're James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we both live in Madrid. This channel is all about giving you a local insight into life in Spain, and helping you experience this country like a local when you come to visit (or live!). If that sounds like your kind of thing, bienvenido!
*This description contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you use them 🙏🏻

[@spainrevealed]

*HELLO SPAIN LOVERS!* This one-man cathedral is one of the most incredible places to visit in Spain. And it's so under the radar. Anyone been there? What were your impressions?

[@lechonasaodeborinquen8150]

Yeah! I love Spain too. It's impressive to see one man from England admiring the old history, culture and legacy of their brother nation Spain.

[@Bossatron9000]

Does the man still live

[@jslra1974]

@@Bossatron9000 yes he is, he is 95 or 96

[@williamlandis1437]

@Genesis Maddux No, Who are you, WhaAtt is this that you'are doingg.? Yout being a fucktard

[@Kevinthelast]

I remember this places from GBS, to bad it shut down.

[@pedrosmith4529]

He will probably finish it before they finish Sagrada Familia lol.

[@skwizzzb3904]

the virgin construction crew vs the chad old man

[@2DaysAgoISawAVehicle]

Total😂

[@tarantinopipp7455]

Bruhh...

[@thekraken1173]

He’s dead

[@riyadislam3441]

I am neither Spanish or a Christian. But I have nothing but respect for this man's piety and dedication and sincerely hope the best for him and his work shall be completed, even if it isn't by his hand.

[@pavellopez3998]

Same

[@barackobama7569]

What suprises me the most is this guy can build a cathedral only by himself faster than my country fix a pothole in the roads

[@kiancuratolo903]

@@barackobama7569 Or most cathedrals took to build! I'm sure it'll be done before the Sagrada Família even with all the money and work the pour into it!

[@TheRentown]

I hope you see the light and convert to SPAIN.

[@juanjoseviaderorivas5998]

Rest in peace, Justo. Sadly you couldn' t see your work done but your dream will go on and this cathedral will be finished someday.

[@sued_]

I have one fear about this project: If the land gets into the wrong hands the dream probably won't be fulfilled, it only takes one decision to end all this work. I'm hoping no one ever thinks of demolishing this wonderful work of art. I'm not religious at all, but this is awe inspiring.

[@jamesprimavesi2392]

Was there about 5 years ago. We saw him in his room painting small tiles which I guess was about all he could do by then. Left feeling kind of sad that he’s given his whole life to it but won’t see it finished. Doesn’t look like much has changed in the 5 years since.

[@iluan_]

And yet, that kinda connects him with the builders of old. Most of the great cathedrals of Europe took generations to build. None of the original builders saw them finished, but they had faith it would get done.

[@gmeme9252]

@@iluan_ Depends, lots of ancient greek temples didnt take as long like 30-40 years, remember theres thousands of people that goes into working those old monasteries.

[@nar2cc]

@@gmeme9252 Comparing a Greek Temple to a Cathedral is a unfair comparison, but I understand your point.

[@juliablick6404]

What a magnificent building, built by a wonderful man. .

[@spainrevealed]

For your next visit xxx

[@shrekdorado4213]

@@spainrevealed wtf with the xxx?

[@LugaresYJuegosTM]

@@shrekdorado4213 🐂

[@aaronfernandes3739]

Yes indeed.

[@harishankar3127]

How many came here after Puri's musings 👍❤️

[@charancreations3792]

Puri matalu vini vacha

[@ionsravan]

Same

[@ravistrikz]

Me

[@kuppalasatish]

Me

[@kumudaseelamsetty4833]

@Hari Shankar bro you Hijacked first chance of making comment. Any how, Happy to see like minded people here.

[@javieraparicio5867]

Yo fui a ver la catedral de Justo hace 11 años con la universidad y estuvimos hablando con él bastante tiempo. De hecho, estudié Historia del Arte y Justo se puso muy contento al saber que nos interesaba, así que nos explicó cómo iba la obra. En aquella época tenía 80 y pico años y ahí seguía trabajando día a día. Ahora tiene 95 años y dudo que vaya tanto. Me alegra saber que la obra continua (las pinturas de la nave principal no estaban, entre otras muchas cosas). Gran vídeo, James.

[@edwardbryan9501]

There is nothing one could bring into the afterlife, but what they leave behind is truly valued.

[@josephritchie90]

The pasión and amor that Justo has is incredible. That is just what Spain is about. ❤️🇪🇸❤️

[@spainrevealed]

Pretty astounding - and you're right Jospeh -- one of the things I love about living in Spain is that passion.

[@user-yw4fz6xk2j]

I must say it's beautiful for someone who hasn't studied architecture. It's very appealing to my eyes 👀🤗😍

[@crazylol7641]

Came because of Puri sir Showing such a beautiful place

[@mahesha502]

I came here after puri musings. Who are like thizs

[@thirudeepak1504]

Me 😁

[@user-qf7oc6st8o]

👍

[@bankalapraveen708]

Me also

[@AdityaMaking]

Me

[@ab3261]

Me

[@ChristianJiang]

At first I thought that this would be just a “wow!” video typical of the sensational media... But this actually goes so much more in depth!

[@josephparungaoandchristine7362]

I hope that the church will help this man to make this building more safe and complete...

[@casinoroyal93]

It would need a lot of money just to make it safe. He had no education in Architecture/engineering and no formation from other people. It is a miracle that building is standing. Prob it needs reinforced concrete in multiple places

[@Maldo90]

Also things are refurbished

[@gustavolee9682]

@@casinoroyal93 romans didn't have any education in architecture either, didn't make them any less amazing when it came to construction

[@angelshyam]

Unimaginable. Tremendous hard and dedicated work. May God help him to see his dream Cathedral. What a motivation.

[@sureshteja1590]

Any body after PURI'S PODCAST 👍

[@______9322]

This man is really a great person. It's the incarnation of the best Spanish catholic spirit. He has the tenacity of the great missionaries that came to America to build a new church and a new civilization.

[@deanneweatherly8203]

So interesting and amazing! What a dedication by this man to his faith. Thanks, again, to you and Yoli (camera lady extraordinaire) for another video to bring us all closer to Spain. Hope you are getting settled into your new place. 🤍

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Deanne! Yes, getting settled in bit by bit. Two nights so far :0

[@jayabharat5390]

Watching after listening to puri's words

[@basavarjrajendra603]

Me also

[@jeevanmangalagiri1386]

Ee comment undhaa ani choosthunna

[@muralikrishna-ve7zk]

Me tooo❤️❤️

[@manukajoshuapaul6600]

It to bro

[@rajeshp5987]

Me too

[@holliebenson7433]

I absolutely love your videos of the history of Madrid! My boyfriend is Spanish so go to Spain every year. Next year we will be visiting Madrid before going to his home town first and we are both so excited! Watching your videos gives me history on places to visit so I have an idea before I go. Love you both xx

[@matthewlambert8789]

How was the travel ?

[@ThanhMaiOFFICIAL]

What a stunning and gorgeous work of art here! Definitely would love to visit this cathedral in Spain one day. Until then I’ll keep enjoying the amazing and refreshing content on this channel 🙌💯🗺🇪🇸

[@volodymyrcuza9994]

Thanks a lot for the great video! I have my utmost respect to the man who built it! You're right, this is what Spanish revealed all about, reveal such hidden gems and showing uniqueness of the Spain!

[@dmcbohol]

today, Sept 20, 2020 is Justo's 95th birthday!!! May he live long enough to see his cathedral finish

[@jdmortega9121]

That man is not of this world ....so thin , small , old , I think more than 80 ....95 I read .... and the man keep on his business ...guau incredible sure , an authentic spaniard 🙏🇪🇸

[@matthewlambert8789]

He is 94

[@tximeleta35]

Todos los nacidos en España somos auténticos españoles.🤷

[@mizginavale22]

As I've stated in another post, I had seen a video about this Cathedral before, but your video really gave me more insight into the different areas within. I was mesmerized by everything you were recording, so I can only imagine how it was for you in person, James. I found it a bit comical how you asked Angel what he still needed to do to complete the project, and he answered: Everything. And Yoly asked what he was going to paint, and Angel answered: Everything. LOL !!! Don Justo has accomplished so much, but it definitely needs much more to complete it. I am still impressed by what has been done so far. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@spainrevealed]

Yeah, so much achieved so far. But I get the sense that work has slowed a lot in the last 10 years or so (not a lot has changed since I was there 8 years ago). Makes sense given his age.

[@mistreated]

Absolutely brilliant! Thanks J&Y. Yes, this is what Spain Revealed is all about. Love you guys, Rudy y Nancy. Stay Safe

[@barbara3977]

This is amazing how something like this is unknown, great work keep it up

[@cristynags47]

Rest in Peace, don Justo.

[@saiwantv]

This is the proof of what a man can do alone

[@gyroscopicme]

Incredible! Wow! Thank you for making and sharing this video!

[@joannefernandes8252]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this. Gave me goosebumps! Hopefully, one day my husband and I can visit.

[@yellapuphanindra5966]

Thanks to Puri sir for his wonderful musings.💙💙 Excellent cathedral😍

[@pault8891]

Wow, what an incredible place and back story. Great vid!!

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Paul!

[@krishnapanga5390]

Who is here after listening to Puri Musings

[@777sureshreddy]

me

[@sireeshakalepalli2243]

Me...

[@krishnapanga5390]

@@sireeshakalepalli2243 😀

[@david_izek]

I Love Spain!

[@ruthcr8839]

Hey guys!!! Thank you so, so much for the beautiful videos you have and share with the world. Be safe and healthy! Love... from “upstate” NY. 💕😘

[@alexwright6256]

Me encanta! This guy's faith in action,embodied by the project, is amazing...

[@spainrevealed]

I know, right?? Hope you get to visit Alex.

[@alexwright6256]

@@spainrevealed Thanks James,I hope so too!

[@SgtSousa92]

RIP Justo Gallego Martínez - died at the age of 96 on November 28 - Insane what he did!

[@sir.fuentes7642]

Been reading about this for so long since I was a kid. This reminds me of Coral Castle in Florida. Magnificent.

[@raja22dec88]

Thank you puri sir... Because of you only I can see this wonderful place...

[@edwardrowney2269]

I visited there in March because of you thanks for recommendation well worth the visit.

[@petervlcko4858]

nice video, nice camera work watching 4:30 morning from uk brought me sun light here. thx guys

[@caroleloomis1430]

Wow. Thank you, James and Yoly, for the close- up look. Amazing that Angel is so cool - I would be incapacitated but the overwhelming amount of work. I was also thinking, as you were walking around (and up the forbidden tower), that I would not want to be there during an earthquake!

[@spainrevealed]

yeah true - lucky not earthquakes in Madrid!

[@howardroark6575]

I came here because of PURI.... thanks Mr. Puri.... For introducing this man......

[@markdonovan1540]

Well done James, I've been there a couple of times. It's definitely worth a visit, but it is still a huge building site that looks like it may take another lifetime to complete.

[@sebasmica]

He has that vip spot in heaven

[@sireeshakalepalli2243]

It should be identified as Eight WONDER of the World...

[@tristanvillareal6555]

pope francis should see this! that's dedication right there

[@TravelAddictGuy]

The human spirit and will is an amazing thing. I want to visit this place one day.

[@albeetosanchez8441]

Don Justo, sabe que hay un Salvador que hay un Padre Azul Eterno que todo lo puede y que escucha a las personas con good Hearts, buen corazón. Gracias Don Justo

[@tximeleta35]

Un padre Azul?

[@rangusaikumar7657]

After Puri podcast 😄

[@pedrofaba]

Gracias por este video tan bonito

[@rewernan]

Mi pueblo ❤️❤️

[@Ellafor4]

Y el mio jejejejeje

[@slotgamerpro6476]

Tenéis una riqueza mayor que la que tienen muchos empresarios

[@lushlady122]

Amazing story! What an incredible man!

[@prasunchoudhury8711]

Never knew about this place and even though I have been to Madrid 5-6 times! Definitely on my to do list when I am in Madrid again (i.e. when US citizens are allowed to visit Europe!). Your videos are always so insightful and a joy to watch!

[@robertbl7500]

Hi James, simply amazing! ! !

[@IyaGDuh]

If the Lord God would bless me with enough resources I would like reach Don Justo to build that cathedral. God bless u Don Justo I hope ure still alive when I reach 30 and got a job I promise to fund you with all my heart ❤️❤️❤️

[@isaackaiyum9641]

Marvelous work by the architect, may God bless him. However in terms of safety, there is a lot to be done.

[@MandoStudios]

What an incredible thing to have done!

[@nishisingh227]

Very inspiring! Testament to the Devine grace.

[@virginiafeliciano9318]

Wow I wish I would have known about this last year when I went to Spain. God bless him and I hope that he gets to see his dream of having it declared a cathedral become a reality.

[@joaquggg]

empresas quijotescas que , a veces , derriban enormes molinos...Quixotic companies that sometimes demolish huge mills .

[@CmdrBernhardt]

Wow. Muy especial !

[@spainrevealed]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@novamico]

I will go visit this next time in Spain!

[@MikeHawksBig69]

It’s amazing what a strong faith can do.

[@JoseAntonio-xi2uw]

Gracías, muy interensante.

[@pacogarcia5317]

Increíble como Justo sigue construyendo la catedral con casi 100 años

[@user-unos111]

Seguía

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

I like how Don Justo works on different parts at a time. Sort of like how I do my acrylic art.

[@stenlio8856]

I am not christian . But i respect the way he believes his God and how he give much love his religion . Such a wonderful structure . Such a powerful man . ❤️

[@Patxi__]

No sabía de ese lugar, es impresionante que un hombre haya construido todo eso con sus propias manos.

[@Pedritox0953]

Beautiful video

[@eduardoesteban9823]

Anda!!! Por fin la tiene casi terminada, me alegro por él.

[@laurennyambura9174]

James ..do you guys have any merch? I definitely need a “Venga , lets go!” shirt!

[@DanielMonteiroNit]

Amazing - almost cruel to make such video during this pandemic. Now I want to visit it! :D

[@Angel_Gomez]

Qué grande es Justo. Me acuerdo que salió en un anuncio de Aquarius.

[@joepeters8746]

An exceptionally fascinating place! But why I really hate is, that they didn't build it together under the oversight of the builder of that place. Like doing the main frame work professionally and then let him do the art work

[@brightyellowpictures5583]

Thank you puri sir !! I got 2 know abt this incredible creation after listening to your “Puri Musings” about Don Justo 💐

[@darkdimensionvader9458]

as a muslim i say good may allah bless you

[@mycrazyvlogs91]

Oh God un believable thanks puri garu for saying about this incredible man

[@sam54652]

Came to know about this inspiring guy, through Puri's Musings. Thank you.

[@elizabethcrozier8166]

Amazing place. Could Devour tours do a day trip from Madrid with a foodie stop on the way and tapas on the way back - when this get more normal. Love how inventive you guys are.

[@elizabethcrozier8166]

I was talking about the Cathedral place by the way.

[@sugarpop7377]

Elizabeth Crozier Mejorada del Campo.

[@david_izek]

Nice Cathedral

[@ZetaTJ]

I am from Madrid, and never listend about this cathedral, I am going to go there as soon as I can.

[@mairepcod4063]

Thanks, 🙏 🦋

[@blackcauldron]

I bet he’s going to be a saint

[@lindasoto5250]

Wow....incredible. Would love to visit Spain and this beautiful cathedral.

[@ivyr7381]

Wow!! So impressive!! Is it bus only to this village? Can I get there via Atocha?

[@catherinemori4539]

He’s still alive?! I saw a documentary on this a few years back...

[@elcartucherasrm7077]

he passed away, November 28, 2021

[@harperwelch5147]

This is fabulous! Thanks for finding it and filming it. Is there any local intent or effort to continue working on it? (why are cars parked inside?). It's in the family of gigantic folk art, like Watts Towers in Los Angeles

[@MrDude826]

Man this is playing legos at another level!

[@riceeggs5722]

great big story

[@krrimy]

Catholic priests and monks have a lot to learn from this man! Respect to you Sir!

[@twinkletoes800]

Wow! Stunning..Outside looks very Russian.

[@sivaramgubbala3067]

Who is after puri sir videoo👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@aajaybitla]

✋

[@sureshntr]

🙋

[@JumpingJimmyJet]

Maybe finish a room and see if they can find a retired Priest to give Mass on Sundays, to help in donations to finish the church.

[@spainrevealed]

Great idea!

[@vedavyaskoppula764]

Puri fan ✊🏻

[@kiancuratolo903]

I saw a video of this 5 years ago and its so wonderful seeing the progress. That man is living his best life, Im not religious but i can only imagine the feeling of building gods kingdom with your own hands to a true believer

[@Outspoken.Humanist]

Catedral de la fe, was there ever a building so aptly named? It is sad that it will not be finished in the old man's lifetime and sadder still if the church does not recognise his work.

[@spainrevealed]

Yeah, I wonder what is must feel like for him knowing he won't get to finish it in his lifetime/

[@istoppedcaring6209]

you have to be aware that churches have inner walls and outer decorative walls, you can see that at certain churches in Italy where sometimes the front wall has the decorative facade but the rest doesn't, and one church that is stil rough all round this church can still be decorated with carved granite, marble,... it is impressive that one person built this to say the least