KO and the Turk: Rioja Wine Time

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.

highway art

more highway art

stopped at mall to find phone plug

Zaragoza Cathedral

stunning altar

amazing ceiling layers/details

Le Sao de Zaragoza, co-Basilica

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.

sharing a wall-Muslim/Christian

intricate tile work on side wall

tile and stonework

Zaragoza has spunk!

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!

lobby

stairs to our room

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.

modern mosaic of the miracle, with St Dominic,patron of city

the chicken coup, in the church (with glass to keep sounds low)

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!

coquettish trick or treater

memories of 2020!

me too!!

the whole family was 'religious'

my fave

Time for wine!! First to the town of Laguardia, a walled town surrounded by vineyards. Since it was fall, the vines were covered in red and yellow leaves. The winding narrow streets were fun to explore and people actually lived in the ancient part of Laguardia which made it more vibrant.