Spain

We had ambitious plans for exploring Ciudad Rodrigo and the surrounding countryside. But my back injury scuppered the plans. And then we found a Mediaeval Festival in the town which restricted access, and perhaps there was also just a touch … Continued

After a day and a half spent mainly flat on my back we set off with some trepidation on the road from Jarandilla de la Vera to Ciudad Rodrigo. I was taking heavy doses of anti-inflammatory pills and paracetemol, wearing … Continued

The Monastery of San Jeronimo de Yuste is about 20 minutes away from the Paradore at Jarandilla de la Vera and it was the site to which Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, retired in 1556 and … Continued

Jarandilla de la Vera is a small town in the Vera Valley and we visited to stay for a few days in the Paradore. Paradore of Jarandilla de la Vera The Castle of the Counts of Oropesa dates from the … Continued

We parked the car in front of the flat on Sunday morning, and on Monday morning it was easy to pack up and drive along the walls for a last look from Quatro Postes. It had been a good week, … Continued

We spent a week in Avila and it was an interesting experience. But would I return?

St Teresa is strongly associated with Avila and it is impossible not to think about her life and her achievements. I fear another book will be added to shelves.

The Church of San Pedro in Avila stands just outside the walls, and unlike the imposing Cathedral of Avila, it is a place to go if you feel in need of comfort. It is strange, is it not, how these … Continued

Inside the walls there are many palaces in Avila, mainly clustered at the top of the hill around the Cathedral. Avila grew in the 16th century for various reasons: growth of the textile industry, buildings of churches, and the work … Continued

The Basilica of San Vicente in Avila, also known as the Basilica of the Holy Brothers Martyrs, Vincent, Sabina and Cristeta. It is national monument and a World Heritage Site even thought it is outside the walls of Avila.