Up until 1975 Spain was ruled by Fransisco Franco who's power was supported by the Roman Catholic Church. He had a similar regime to Hitler just minus the mass genocide and I guess you might be able to say not as extreme but it was still pretty bad.
When he died he restored the monarchy to power and the monarchy created a democracy and so now we have Spain, still with a King and Queen but with a Prime Minister who governs the country. Remember this is only 36 years ago so many people still remember Franco's rule.
Why am I telling you this? Because of a little place hated by many Spaniards. A place where my aunty Susana refuses to step foot (although I may have succeeded in convincing her) and that place is Valle de Los Caidos.
The site itself is beautiful and amazing. You just want to stare at it. The first thing I saw as we drove along these beautiful roads surrounded by forest and green land was this huge cross standing on top of a mountain. As we approached it we saw just how magnificent it was. There were carvings of figures around the base of the cross and you just stare in awe at the thought of how it was created. Then we were hit by this amazing stone entrance which arches away from the mountain and it is stunningly designed. Everything inspires you to go 'oooooo' or 'aaaaaahhhhhh'. This place with all its spectacular beauty is so hated by many because under this cross, built inside the mountain is a tribute to Franco. Carved into the mountain is a huge church which is also the resting place of some of those who fell during the Spanish Civil War. Some of those who built this monument were Franco's prisoners and to make things even worse Franco himself is buried within the church. His tomb is marked by an engraved concrete slab on the floor under which his body lies.
You can see now why regardless of its magnificence there is still some resentment from many towards visiting this place.
Although originally built as a tribute to Franco and those who fell in the war (it is called the Valley of the Fallen) it is now to some extent being considered a monument to everyone who died and suffered during the war and not just those on Franco's side but I don't think this concept is really taking off yet.
Until only recently there was weekly Mass held in the church and many would attend every Sunday. The government has since ended this, they have given some excuse as to why there should be no mass but I'm pretty sure it has got more to do with the Franconess of the place and not whatever it was that they said.
Regardless of the political intent behind its construction it is definitely a very beautiful place. The architecture is phenomenal and the gardens and grounds surrounding it are amazing. I'll let you see for yourself.
My uncle on the right and the exterior of the monument
Me and the cross
The cross ( I read somewhere the largest in the world)
amazing arched entrance
Huge open space in front and an amazing view
Inside the church carved out of the mountain.. we weren't allowed to take photos
The church was filled with statues such as this
Huge gate
The other side of the mountain which was also amazing
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