Discover the Valley of the Fallen: History, Memory and Reflection in the mountains of Madrid
Just 50 kilometres from the capital, stands one of the most imposing and at the same time most controversial monuments in Spain's recent history: the Valley of the Fallen, officially renamed the Valley of Cuelgamuros in 2022. Located in the heart of the Guadarrama mountain range, this monumental complex has for decades been the focus of debates and reflections on the country's historical memory. Today, it is presented as a key place for understanding the history of 20th century Spain.
Why was the Valley of the Fallen built?
The monument was promoted in 1940 by the dictator Francisco Franco as a tribute to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War. In addition to being a place of commemoration, its function was to serve as a mausoleum for its promoter and as a monastery inhabited by the Order of Saint Benedict. It was inaugurated in 1959, after almost 20 years of construction, and became one of the most ambitious projects of the Franco regime.
The work was carried out with the labour of thousands of Republican prisoners, who had their sentences reduced in exchange for their collaboration. The architectural ensemble is of large dimensions and stands out for its monumental austerity, the result of a design by the architects Pedro Muguruza and Diego Méndez. The artist Juan de Ávalos was commissioned to create the sculptures.
What to see in the Valley of the Fallen
The Cuelgamuros Valley has several architectural elements of great importance:
Basilica of the Holy CrossThe tomb: Excavated in the rock, it is one of the largest underground temples in the world. It contains the remains of more than 33,000 combatants from both sides, and until 2019, it also housed the remains of Francisco Franco.
The great monumental crossThe cross is 150 metres high with 46-metre arms and is visible from several kilometres around. It is the tallest cross in the world and has become one of the symbols of the monument.
La PiedadThis sculpture represents the Virgin Mary with her dead son and presides over the entrance to the church. It is one of the most recognisable pieces in the ensemble.
The esplanade and the natural environmentThe monument is surrounded by an impressive natural landscape. The gardens, woods and paths offer a perfect setting for walking and reflection.
From a memorial space to a place of democratic memory
In recent years, the Valley of the Fallen has undergone a process of historical re-signification. The approval of the Democratic Memory Law in 2022 has transformed the space into a place of remembrance for all the victims of the war and dictatorship.
The Government has launched a series of actions to convert the Cuelgamuros Valley into a historical interpretation centre. Among them are the change of name, the exhumation of Franco in 2019, the prohibition of Franco's exaltations in the enclosure and the organisation of an international competition to define its new museum approach.
How to get there and when to visit
El Valle is located in the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It can be reached by car from Madrid in approximately one hour. Access to the site is free, although there is a symbolic cost to visit the interior of the basilica.
The usual opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays for maintenance. It is advisable to check beforehand on the official website or at tourist offices, as it may vary due to official events or restorations.
Tips on how to make the most of your visit
Plan your visit in advance and avoid the middle of the day in summer, as there is not much shade on the esplanade.
Wear comfortable shoes if you also wish to walk the nearby trails.
Combine the visit with a walk around San Lorenzo de El Escorial to complete the day with a tour of the famous monastery or one of its traditional restaurants.
A cultural experience from the heart of Madrid
Stay at Gran Hotel Inglés
If you stay at the Gran Hotel Inglés, one of the most emblematic historic hotels in Madrid, the Valley of the Fallen becomes an ideal day trip.
Thanks to its location in the centre of Madrid, right in the heart of the city, in the Barrio de Las Letras this five-star hotel offers you the perfect balance between luxury, comfort and proximity to the main cultural attractions of the region. After a day discovering the history and landscape of the Madrid mountains, you can relax in the hotel's exclusive wellness area or enjoy the gastronomy and signature cocktails in the elegant LobByto. The Gran Hotel Inglés is not just an accommodation, but a starting point to explore the past and present of a city that never ceases to amaze.
After a day discovering the history and landscape of the Madrid mountains, you can relax in the hotel's exclusive wellness area or enjoy the gastronomy and signature cocktails in the elegant LobByto. The Gran Hotel Inglés is not just an accommodation, but a starting point to explore the past and present of a city that never ceases to amaze.
Book your stay and combines the living history of the Valley of the Fallen with an unforgettable experience in the heart of Madrid.
