Leaving the storm damage near Valencia and to the south, we headed north and west toward the Rioja wine region. The picturesque drive took us through Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon region in Spain. We only stopped and walked around to see the the Plaza la Seo where the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and other notable buildings are located. St James built a small chapel on this site around 40AD after an apparition of Mary, prior to her Assumption, helping to establish Christianity in Spain. A place of worship has been located here since. Current cathedral was started in 1681. Though 3 bombs were dropped on the cathedral during the Spanish Civil War, 2 did not explode and are on display.
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| highway art |
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| more highway art |
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| stopped at mall to find phone plug |
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| Zaragoza Cathedral |
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| stunning altar |
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| amazing ceiling layers/details |
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Le Sao de Zaragoza, co-Basilica
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Its so interesting to see how the Muslim mosques were adapted to Christian churches, usually preserving the intricate geometric designs - Mudajar style, and converting the prayer tower to a bell tower.
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| sharing a wall-Muslim/Christian |
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| intricate tile work on side wall |
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| tile and stonework |
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| Zaragoza has spunk! |
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| and a Costco! |
We headed to Santa Domingo De La Calzada, located on the Camino de Santiago.
Our hotel was a parador, converted from a 12th century hospital, then hotel for hikers on the Camino. This town was small and personable and so much fun on Halloween night!
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| lobby |
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| stairs to our room |
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| more parador lobby |
Santo Domingo de la Calzada was quite charming. They are known for the 'chicken' church. A miracle occurred where a judge condemned a young man to die based on a tale made up by a shunned young woman. Judge said, if the boy is innocent, this chicken (roasted and on his dinner plate) will get up and walk. And it DID!!! So the church houses the lineage of chickens from the miracle chicken - IN THE CHURCH. I of course had to see this.
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| modern mosaic of the miracle, with St Dominic,patron of city |
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| the chicken coup, in the church (with glass to keep sounds low) |
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| St Dominic always with chickens |
Halloween
in a small town in Spain!! The kids, often with their adults go to
businesses for their rewards. Bakery handed out cookies, tavern had
chips, etc. No concerns if things were sealed in wrappers. I think
everyone in this 6000 person town was in the town square that night, including us!
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| view from the wall |
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| dead trees to ART! |
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| town street |
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| half the grocery store |
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| this! clock comes alive at noon |
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| town center-What does Turk see? |
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| view from Bai winery |
Then on to the winery for tour and wine-paired lunch at Bai winery
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| more views from winery |
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| eggplant |
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| risotto |
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| braised beef on polenta |
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| spanish french toast dessert |
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| more scenery in Rioja region |
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| 6000yr old Dolman |
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| love me some Dolmans |
I discovered dolmens in Portugal and was happy to find more in Spain. Of course ancient people did not have country boundaries, so this makes sense.
