The Valley of the Fallen, a monumental complex located about 30 miles from Madrid, has been the subject of significant debate in recent months. Built after the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the site is home to a basilica, a Benedictine monastery, a monumental cross, and the remains of between 33,000 and 50,000 Spaniards from both sides of the conflict. As part of the Spanish government’s “resignification” project for the site, significant changes are being proposed. However, the Catholic Church has firmly expressed its stance on preserving the religious and sacred elements of the complex.
The project, announced by the Spanish government, aims to transform the Valley of the Fallen into a space for educational, cultural, and democratic use. According to the Ministry of Housing, the project will offer “a new, critical, and informed perspective on the history of our country” and will include a museum or interpretive center to complete the “resignification process with an inclusive, respectful narrative in line with democratic values.” This new vision for the site comes with a substantial budget of 26 million euros, and proposals for the reconfiguration of the site are expected to be finalized by 2026.
One of the most significant elements of the site is the 492-foot cross, the tallest in the world. While the government has floated the possibility of removing or altering the cross, the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) has made it clear that it will remain standing. Bishop Francisco César García Magán, spokesperson for the CEE, emphasized that the cross will stay as part of the resignification plan. He stated, “the 492-foot cross at the Valley of the Fallen…will remain standing as part of the Spanish government’s ‘resignification’ of the site.”
However, the situation is far from simple. During a press conference following the CEE’s plenary assembly, García acknowledged that there were initial plans proposed by the government to “deconsecrate the basilica and remove the Benedictine community.” These plans were conveyed to Vatican officials during a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, in October 2024. Garcia noted that the issue of destroying the cross had been discussed, although it was not a formal proposal from the government.
Despite these initial plans, a second meeting between the government and the Holy See took place in February 2025, where several “red lines” were agreed upon by both parties. According to García, these included maintaining Catholic worship in the Pontifical Basilica of the Holy Cross, ensuring the presence of the Benedictine community, and respecting “the religious elements located outside the basilica,” including the iconic cross. The agreements are still under discussion, and the final accord has yet to be formalized.
The role of the Benedictines at the Valley of the Fallen is a point of particular concern. The monastery and its monks have served as caretakers of the site since its establishment, and many believe that their presence is integral to maintaining the site’s sacred nature. García made it clear that the CEE is committed to ensuring the continuity of the Benedictine community: “The bishops…had been informed and, of course, there had been total and unanimous endorsement…of the work carried out thus far by Cardinal José Cobo,” who is serving as the mediator in these discussions.
The CEE’s stance has not been without controversy. In recent weeks, protests have erupted in response to the government’s plans for the site. The Association in Defense of the Valley of the Fallen has been particularly vocal, urging the bishops to defend the “inviolable character” of the basilica. They argue that the site should remain a sacred place of peace and reconciliation, and they contend that any government action within the basilica — such as construction work or exhumations — should only occur with ecclesiastical approval. The association claims that “what is being proposed there is a desecration,” and urges the bishops to “exercise the authority that has been conferred upon them to defend the integrity of the Valley of the Fallen.”
The CEE, for its part, has responded by acknowledging the right to protest while calling for respect in the dialogue surrounding the issue. García noted that while there were some who “shouted, insulted,” and displayed “somewhat violent attitudes,” there were also individuals who prayed peacefully or spoke with the bishops.
The future of the Valley of the Fallen remains uncertain as both the government and the Church work toward a resolution. The proposed “resignification” project has sparked significant debate, and many within the Catholic community remain deeply concerned about the preservation of the site’s sacred nature. As Cardinal Cobo continues to mediate between the Church and the government, the bishops are committed to defending the religious character of the site while seeking a way forward that respects both Spain’s democratic values and its Catholic heritage.
As of now, the government’s reconfiguration plans are moving ahead, but the final details will be subject to ongoing negotiations and discussions. For many, the preservation of the cross and the continued presence of the Benedictine monks at the Valley of the Fallen remain essential to maintaining the site’s significance as a place of Catholic worship and remembrance.
Sources:
- ACI Prensa (2025), “Spanish Bishops Affirm Cross at Valley of the Fallen Will Stay.”
