UltraBlade's buildings and ruins

Buildings and Ruins

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The windmills and castle in this picture are situated on top of a hill with an unbroken view of the surrounding countryside, but the photo doesn't do it justice because of the heat haze. The town itself has no particular beauty, but has a quiet charm that only Spain seems to get right. I once woke up the local Policia Local cop to ask about a hotel when touring with the car. He actually was asleep, but was thrilled to be able to lend a hand and do something constructive. (I don't think there's a lot of crime in Consuegra.) I stayed in a very Spanish hotel on the main road and it was excellent. Inside was very cool, dark and, well, Spanish. Lots of leather and wood.

Mejorada del Campo (S)

Is this guy real - you bet! I believe that this priest got kicked out of the church for some dubious crimes of which I know nothing. So what did he do - built his own cathedral, of course.

I expect that you've probably thought about building a house extension or putting up a garden shed; but, have you ever started building a cathedral? No, I didn't think so, but I know a man who has. His name is Justo Gallego Aden and he is building a cathedral in a town called Mejorada del Campo about 20 miles east of Madrid. I popped along to see for myself in 1990 and he had been building it then for 27 years! If he's still alive it should be nearing completion now. It's a right mess, but he seems to like it; and who am I to criticise someone who's toiled for six days a week, without a holiday, for all those years.

Who hasn't, at some time in their lives, wanted to built a great public building? Not I.

Justo has modelled his cathedral on any form of architecture that he likes; so the front entrance is similar to parts of the White House. This is what I like about Spain - can you imagine the fuss if you tried to build a DIY cathedral in your garden! I'd love to see the faces of the local planning officers. I'd be interested to know what has happened to Justo in the meantime, so if you know then perhaps you could drop me an e-mail. Visit the Spanish Gallery for more photographs.

Figueras (S)

Museum dedicated to the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali.

This part of my web site seems to be a 'nutter's corner', doesn't it. If you are passing through Figueras in north east Spain, just below the French border, then you may wish to stop and see Salvador Dali's museum. The outside is interesting enough, but apparently the inside is even more so. I say 'apparently' because I've not yet managed to get into it. Basically, you can't go on a Monday, and it doesn't open until 11am. Those are the reasons why I've failed to see the inside on two occasions.

Pont du Gard (F)

Pont du Gard aquaduct near Avignon in southern France.

This is an ancient roman aquaduct, about which I know very little. How's that for honesty. It is easy enough to find and there is a restaurant situated at the riverside. There are many roman remains in this area including an impressive ampitheatre at Orange; a quick look in a tourist guide will reveal many places worth a look.

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