The Arch of San Miguel stands in a field at the edge of the town of Sasamón.
It was the entry portico to a 15th Century church that once stood on this spot. A shame the church did not survive. However, the arch is there as a reminder. It’s actually a dramatic sight: the arch, the field beyond, the blou sky above. This was a place for quiet reflection on the march of time. Take a moment to stop and think. It’ll do wonders.
Sasamón, Spain features a magnificent “little” cathedral that you would not expect in this location. The town is quite small but on the Road to Santiago and therefore a stopover for pilgrims both presently and in days gone by. I call this a “little” cathedral because it has all the features of larger examples. The correct name is Santa María la Real.
The scene above gives a sweeping introduction to both the town and the church. You see the fountain there and if you were able to turn around, you’d be looking at the ayuntamiento, or government house. The gateway and yard beyond beckons the traveler to the church in the background. The church went through several iterations as it grew or was remodeled. You can see remnants of the different styles as you amble about the grounds.
In the cloister, you’ll find examples of cut stone artistry, still standing centuries after it was put in place. Inside are tableaus like this one.
A dramatic altar piece…
…and in the choir loft a well-played organ.
…and a baptismal font with fine carvings, too…
In particular, note the sleeping dogs around the base. Then have a gander at the pulpit, also of carved stone.
Again, there must have been hundreds of masons and no shortage of master craftsman pounding hammers and chisels all day long to build structures like this. It wasn’t the only church in town either, there were three, two of which survive. While walking through this church, we were the only ones present. Having a site like this to yourself is another honor. Enjoy it and be respectful.
Burgos, Spain, is a university town, sometimes overrun by that crowd. At the same time, you’ll find some significant monuments, like the cathedral and the old city gate.
In the cathedral above, El Cid is buried. The history of El Cid is well worth reading, especially for lessons in political will and military conquest. Then there is the old city gate.
Hard to miss that one. Just inside the gate you’ll find a plaza with several streets radiating from it. Along those streets are the bars and restaurants frequented by the students.
If you’re looking at the cathedral facade and thinking that it reminds you of one in northern Europe, you’d be spot on because the architect was from Cologne, Germany.
Salamanca has more than its fair share of ecclesiastical buildings, including the Santa Basilica. While visiting there, I made this video. Near the middle you’ll see a chapel with a relic that is actually the arm of a saint.
Remember, this is just one of the massive structures open to the public in Salamanca. You can visit a few of them in one day, but certainly not all. I plan to return to Salamanca for a look at the ones I missed.
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