11/14/2007 - Segovia, Avila and Salamanca

It was an early start today as we had a few stops to make before we arrived in Salamanca. The day was basically a typical European Cathedral and Castle tour.

The first stop was in Segovia, Spain in the autonomous community of Castile. The main attraction here is a two thousand year old Roman Aqueduct. The elevated section of the Aqueduct is the most recognized feature of Segovia and it was built during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula during the first century. The elevated section spans nine hundred meters and at its highest point it is 28 meters. It consists of 166 arches and it was used to carry water from the Rio Frio.





On the way out of town we stopped for pictures of the Alcázar of Segovia. The construction on this started in the 11th century as a fortress and it was eventually used at the residence of the kings of Castile, with each king building a new section.

Alcázar of Segovia



The next stop was the walled city of Avila. Construction began on the walls of the city in the 11th century. There are over eighty towers overlooking the region around Avila and the wall itself is made of granite. Everything is in great condition and walking down the street you are surrounded by stone on all sides. There was a fantastic gothic cathedral within the city that dates from the 14th century.

Panoramic view of Avila



Gothic Cathedral





We made our way to Salamanca where the highlight of the day was the Ieronimus Catedral. Dore and her Mom wanted to get something to eat and I wanted to look around so I left them and started walking. The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is one of the best in Spain. There was a lot of activity there as school had just finished for the day and there were kids running everywhere.

Plaza Mayor



I walked through the Plaza and the surrounding area and then I ended up at Ieronimus Catedral. The admission here was the best three Euros I have ever spent. I was practically the only person in the place and I could go to all of the open areas unimpeded. I spent the better part of my afternoon exploring all of the different areas of this beautiful building. I was even able to walk on the roof and see the spires and domes up close. I have never had such an opportunity to explore a place like this so extensively.

On the roof







Overlooking the cathedral interior



After a great time at the cathedral I went back to the hotel for dinner with our group. I have become friends with an older Australian couple and I spent the meal hearing all about how great a lemon, lime and bitter drink tastes.

Tomorrow it is on to Fatima where I will pray for Earl and his composure during his dissertation defense. We will end the day in Lisbon.