Really, really cross.

First glimpse of this monumental crucifix is from just over 30km away: it is carved directly from a granite outcrop and stands 150m tall. Of course I had to check it out as it is the biggest cross in the world.
Just up the road from el Escorial is the peaceful, pine covered Cuelgamuros Valley in the Sierra de Guadarrama, with good views of Madrid from 150m above the plain. At the bottom of the hill, the gateman took Euros 9 from me as a 'park' tourist fee but then I could wander around for nothing.
There is a Benedictine Monastery there and this photo I thought was of it. But no, it is a hotel. The Monastery is opposite beneath the cross - across the courtyard.
Intending to walk up a track to the base of the cross I set off jauntily under the barrier and up the road to it. 20m later there was a loud shout and a man in a uniform blowing his car horn with one hand whilst gesticulating with his other. Instantly I realised that he was addressing me (actually there was absolutely noone else there at the time,) and expediently turned back. I say 'expediently' as when the angle of the car permitted I could see that he Guardia Civil and not to be messed with.
We had quite a pleasant chat in as he explained that the base was too dangerous to walk around and I should stay in the main area. Not at all the officious specimen I was led to expect. Later I learned that this closure of the monument is considered by some to be unnecessary and a political act, but I still hadn't a clue what it was all about.
After a quick look at the hotel which did not live up to the Herrerian style of its exterior but was a whole lot more comfortable, I crept behind it up a path which supposedly was out of bounds to a vantage point to take some photos. Escaped without being detected and went to the other side of the mount.Read more