"La Gran Dama" Segovia's Cathedral

We entered the cathedral through the north entrance, la puerta del perdon (the door of forgiveness) emerging onto the surface and vastness of the religious structure. Immediately, I was overwhelmed by the creative devotion of the spiritual art. While I am not a truly practicing Catholic, I will confess "La Gran Dama"( the great lady) obliged me to cross myself with holy water and take a seat, in order to appreciate the beauty all around me.
My eyes alighted on various statues, pictures, paintings, chapels and stained glass windows. Unconsciously, my camera began pointing and shooting. Whatever my eyes focused on my camera clicks. Eventually I detect a familiar voice,  "Are you going to photograph everything?", Mercedes asked. With a sense of fascination I replied, "Just a few more shots OK?" It was kind of difficult  to choose some representative pictures.

Virgen de la paz, Virgen of PeaCe, 
 The main altar, a neoclassical masterpiece, combines bronze and various marbles.

Capilla de Cristo del Consuelo,  The chapel of consolation.

   

Capilla de la Piedad, chapel of mercy.

The main weight of the huge cathedral structure is carried by the tall granite pillars
which line up in mathematical order along the isles. the openings at the top are excellent
for allowing light in through beautiful stain glass windows.

  
There are about 30 chapels depicting various saints, virgins, angels, events and mileposts of Catholicism: religious, biblical and historical.  They are artistically and aesthetically displayed. The cathedral demonstrates a sophisticated assembly of engineering with artists, sculptors, stone masons and craftsmen of the period. All laboriously engaged creating, decorating, adorning, beautifying in intricate detail for the glory of God. 

Segovia: Stately, welcoming and beutiful

Segovia is one of the most impressive cities that we visited. The town sits majestically between the rivers Clamares and Eresma. Adjacent to the river Clamares you will find the royal castle, Alcazar. Down the ancient pebbled road sits the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain with its massive bell towers demanding everyone's attention. In this posting will divide Segovia into three posts, the cathedral outside, cathedral inside and royal castle  Alcazar reminiscent of Disney's creations.

We found  the city of Segovia to be fascinating. Historically, it is of Celtic heritage but was invaded by the Roman Empire.  Later it fell into Islamic rule. Eventually it was re-taken by the Spanish crown during their conquest of Toledo. A very important trade center during its golden age, Segovia's growth was accompanied by several splendid works of Gothic architecture. In 1985, UNESCO designated the old city of Segovia and its prestigious Roman aqueduct, a world heritage site.

The Roman aqueduct defines the entrance to Segovia and its historical nature dating
back to the 1st and 2nd centuries.

It is considered to be one of the most extraordinary engineering accomplishments
and a jewel of all Spain. 

As we walk under the prestigious Roman aqueduct we enter into old Segovia lovingly cuddled by a massive wall surrounding the city, like a dutiful mother protecting its child.

As Mercedes and I walked through the ancient gates of Segovia, we discovered
the wonders which we've only read about now the historical and cultural aromas escaping
through the city wall were waiting for us.

All tourist vihecles were parked outside the city gates. We walked about 10-15 minutes
 to the plaza mayor. A number of open strategically positioned stores, souvenirs shops lined
 main street. Restaurants displayed their menus, but tapas bars captured our appetite with their world famous jamón Ibérico, salted, aged, dried ham: excellent with you favorite Spanish wine.

Waking towards the plaza mayor, main square the imposing  bell towers and spires of
catedral Santa Maria of Segovia come into view. It's one of the largest in the world.

Santa Maria of Segovia known as the The Great Dame of the Cathedrals because
of its elegance and dimensions. It is a prime example of  baroque architecture.
 It was built in two phases and centuries. The first part was complected in 1562
and the second part in 1720.

There are 3 door inviting you to enter: two southern side, San Geroto and San Frutos.
 On the northern side is la puerta del perdon, the door of forgiveness.

Santa Maria de Segovia has 19 chapels, each one about the size of a typical town church.
   It's size is about 33 meters high, 50 meters wide and 105 meters long. 
The bell towers are 90 meters high.

So you can better appreciate the magnificence of this cathedral and Segovia, I borrowed this
panoramic picture from Google pictures.
http://cathedralsegovia.wordpress.com/Google maps  

The first stop on our trip, Madrid Spain

Our trip to the Iberian peninsula Spain and Portugal allowed us to make our own connections of the walled cities, of centuries past, and the flourishing and exiting metropolises of today.
As our plane descended into the capital city of Spain, Madrid an old ballad began stirring in my mind, "Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, en Mexico se piensa mucho en ti"...a song of my youth composed by one of Mexico's greatest composers Agustin Lara.

Madrid, Madrid, Madrid in Mexico we often think of you...

 In Madrid we took a sightseeing drive along Paseo de la Castellana with its famous fountains in Plaza de Cibeles, a sublime blending of culture, architecture and art.
 

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, Velázquez is a very popular name in Spain, streets,
avenues, parks and buildings are named Velazquez. One of the prominent artist
 of Spain is  Diego Velázquez... just thought it was worth mentioning it.

Before long, we ran into Don Quijote, an old acquaintance of mine, whom I had not saluted since my early years in my Spanish literature class at California State University, Los Angeles. Don Quijote in his outlandish adventures along with his squire, Sancho Panza always tried in is his arbitrary manner to dispense justice.

photo from plaza de España

Miguel Cervantes de Saavedra, the maximum figure in Spanish literature brought his masterpiece Don Quijote de la Mancha to life in 1605 and completed it ten years later.

After an exhilarating  first day in Spain, we returned to our hotel and readied ourselves for a night
in the town and  an exceptional dinner of  "manjares Ibericos".

A typical manhole on the sidewalk, this was is for traffic signals,  We were very impressed;
pedestrians have the right of way and drivers are most courteous.  The traffic lights offer plenty of time
to cross the wide avenues..

Madrid was originally called  Mayrit during the Moorish occupation. In 1083 King Alfonzo I, took Christian control of the city and all symbols of Muslims were removed. In 1561, the Spanish Court was transferred from Toledo to Madrid.
Today it is the seat of the Spanish government,a very lively city and the nerve center of Spain. We found the Madrileños to be warm hearted, helpful and friendly people. They always took time to help us find places or guide us on the right direction. We will have to come back for a longer stay.