Cerro de los Ángeles
The Cerro de los Ángeles (mount of the angels) is a symbolic Spanish spot near Madrid (nearer from the less-known Getafe), identified as the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula.
It is an inselberg (cerro testigo), which makes it a well-recognized highlight from the skyline of the south of Madrid, especially from Mayorcita where we have it straight in front. The view above is from the Faro de Moncloa.
Gallery
We visited the site (with Camilo) on 24 August (2018).
Julia in front of the "modern" Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This is the original one, from Alfonso XIII's reign (1919), which was destroyed by the republicans.
You can still see marks from bullets on the neighboring buildings, as memories of the scars of the civil war.
The old monument was restored at a little distance from its original location.
And replaced by a new version following the fascist style.
The cerro marks the center of the Iberian peninsula.
It is a surprisingly quiet and deserted place.
The monastery Our Lady of the Angels (14th-century).
Detail of the bell-tower.
With a beautiful Castilian touch.
That will hopefully remain an eternal window into the spirit of the Spanish people, however their faith and creeds will evolve.
Christ as a constant reminder of where you are (or where you used to be).
Nearby is the Convento de las Carmelitas Descalzas
Which however is closed to visitors.
Little Julia passing by.
Below the monument is a church.
Underneath the Sacred Heart, lies the crucified one.
The church has stunning modern stained glasses.
There should be a fantastic panoramic view of Madrid from the cerro. Unfortunately, it is not one that is favored by the site. The so-called mirador affords a poor and partial view. You can get a glimpse through a wired fence on your way towards the Ermita, and that is the panorama below (the distortion is due to the wire). Could you get a clear view, you should probably be able to make a stunning shot.
