Basílica de la Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos — Attraction in San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Visited in August 2024

One of the most beautiful Basilicas that I have ever been in. Truly majestic and unique! Do not miss this!!!

One of the world's largest basilicas rises above the valley along with the tallest memorial cross in the world. The Basílica is hewn out of a granite ridge. The 150-metre-high cross is constructed of stone. In 1960, Pope John XXIII declared the underground crypt a basilica. The dimensions of this underground basilica, as excavated, are larger than those of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. To avoid competition with the apostle's grave church on the Vatican Hill, a partitioning wall was built near the inside of the entrance and a sizeable entryway was left unconsecrated. The memorial sculptures to the fallen at the basilica are works by Spanish sculptor Luis Sanguino. The monumental sculptures over the main gate and the base of the cross culminated the career of Juan de Ávalos. The monument consists of a wide esplanade with views of the valley and the outskirts of Madrid in the distance. A long vaulted crypt was tunnelled out of solid granite, piercing the mountain to the massive transept, which lies exactly below the cross. On the wrought-iron gates, Franco's neo-Habsburg double-headed eagle is prominently displayed. On entering the basilica, visitors are flanked by two large metal statues of art deco angels holding swords. There is a funicular that connects the basilica with the base of the cross. There is a spiral staircase and a lift inside the cross, connecting the top of the basilica dome to a trapdoor on top of the cross, but their use is restricted to maintenance staff. The Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Cross of the Valley of the Fallen on the other side of the mountain, houses priests who say perpetual Masses for the repose of the fallen of the Spanish Civil War and later wars and peacekeeping missions fought by the Spanish Army. The abbey ranks as a...

Great idea to visit here. Nine euro each for basic entry.

Signage is not great for parking, toilets and the hike to the cross.

Plenty of space for a motorhome. We parked at the basilica but you can also park at the bus area or the monastery parking. Park at the monastery (at the back of the cross) if you want to hike up to the cross as the path starts there.

The toilets are beside the bus parking.

It's a 5km drive in from the main gate where you pay. Slow down as you cross the bridge on the way in as it's a great picture opportunity.

To be honest I wasn't expecting everything we saw here, definitely a wow, even though I read all the details. It could have been built by the Romans.

The basilica is stunning and the altar area reminds me of the Phaethon in Rome with the large unsupported roof.

Franco was buried behind the altar but was exhumed in 2019 by decree of the government. José Antonio Primo de Rivera who was buried in front of the altar was exhumed in 2023 also by decree of...

A beautiful, peaceful, mystical, and awe inspiring place of devotion to our Lord and to ALL the fallen soldiers of the brutal Spanish Civil War. The VALLE DE LOS CAIDOS (Valley of the Fallen) serves as a reminder of the struggles of the Spanish nation and its people. A labor of love from Francisco Franco dedicated to all Spaniards, and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sadly, the current socialist government has it in its sights for demolition. For some nefarious and dark reason, they especially have a problem with the magnificent Cross, the highest and tallest in Europe, and are slowly moving forward with their plan to tear it down. All people must unite to stop this indecent act of pure hatred. Support the Benedictine monks who for many years have served as the caretakers of this incredible place. Do not let modernity destroy a thing of true...