THE CATHEDRAL

At age 36, Justo contracts tuberculosis. As monastic life becomes more difficult, Justo decides to leave for the safety of the monastery. Later, he inherits a piece of land in Mejorada del Campo. He promises himself that if he survives the illness, he will build a cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Later on that same year, his health improves, so he starts to level his land to build the cathedral. The first stone is set on October 12th, 1961.

Justo begins to build the cathedral without a design plan. He is mostly inspired by the Roman architectural style, which he believes to represent the finest of architectural styles. He also draws inspiration from Spanish fortresses, Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, and neoclassical architecture.

Justo has no experience in construction work nor in architecture. His design plans are clearly drawn in his mind, and he follows them religiously through the years. He learns as he builds and by reading books on churches and medieval castles, mostly written in Latin.

Some years later, the building starts to take shape. Justo works mainly on his own, using recycled materials and developing impressive, unique building techniques. Sporadically, he is helped by his family or he hires help when he can afford it.

Another old photo where we can see the perimetral walls that were finished in the 80s.

After many years, the cathedral has a complete form. Justo builds mainly on his own using all kinds of improvised tools, such as rubber tires and chemical waste donated by a Chinese company. Nearby factories in Mejorada del Campo provide him with materials, and he also receives some donations.

Around 1998, Ángel, his main assistant, joins the work. The endeavor receives a massive impulse. Ángel works in the windows, decoration and floors, while Justo continues working in the towers and the dome.

In 2004, Justo catches international attention for the first time, and he is invited to participate in an exhibition in the Real Royal Trip at the MoMA in New York.

In 2005, the Cathedral starts to draw worldwide attention. Justo is contacted by Aquarius, a Spanish soft drinks company, for his participation in an ad campaign that will tell his story. In return, he will get more funds to help in the construction of his cathedral. The campaign is very popular in Spain, though many people think it is a publicity stunt. Little by little people start to realize that it is a real story, and they begin to visit Mejorada del Campo to see this incredible work by themselves.

Justo’s work appears in the New York Times. Justo’s Cathedral is becoming more and more famous around the world, and the number of visitors are increasing.

From 2018, several companies and organizations start to collaborate with the cathedral to raise funds. Among them ScanAndMake, a UK-based start up, that would later on launch the “One Man Cathedral” campaign.

In February 2019, famous British architect George Clarke presents a special episode about the cathedral in his programme “Amazing Spaces” in Channel 4. Justo’s story appears in prime-time TV in the United Kingdom.

In 2020, the Fourth Edition of Making Art 4.0 takes place in the Cathedral - attracting more interest and visitors.

Shortly before his death, Justo donates the cathedral to Mensajeros de la Paz. His wish is for the work to be finished and for it to become a meeting place for everyone.