Cerro de los Ángeles
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The Cerro de los Ángeles (Hill of the Angels) is a famous hill located in Getafe, Spain, about 10 km (6 miles) south of Madrid. Its fame resides in that it is considered the geographic centre of the Iberian Peninsula. On top of the hill there is a 14th century monastery named Our Lady of the Angels (Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles), as well as the Monument to the Sacred Heart [of Jesus] (Monumento al Sagrado Corazón), built in 1919 and inaugurated by king Alfonso XIII.
Several Spanish Civil War battles occurred on the hill. The Sagrado Corazón monument is still riddled with bullet marks that can be seen on sides of the monastery.
In the monument resides patron virgin of Getafe (Spanish cities often each have their own town virgins); thus the place is very well traveled and loved by the citizens of Getafe.
The slopes of the hill are populated with carrascos pines as well as parks, springs, paths, a bar and soccer grounds. For that reason, aside from being a religious center, it is a fantastic place to spend a day surrounded by nature.
From the geologic point of view, the hill has a peak altitude of 670 meters (2200 feet) above sea level, with the base at 610 meters (2000 feet). The area surrounding the hill is flat in all directions, making for great panoramic views of Madrid, Getafe, and the surrounding countryside.
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