Cathedral of Sanitago de Compostela, Spain

The Road to Santiago is a pilgrimage made famous in the middle ages, and it continues to this day. You’ll see pilgrims and tourists walking, riding bicycles, or driving the route from one beginning or another. They all end at the Cathedral of Sanitago de Compostela.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, June 2014.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, June 2014.

During my visit, there was considerable restoration work going on including what you see above on the facade. However, this did not detract from the experience. Inside, you’ll find magnificent sights including the many chapels such as this one:

Chapel within the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Chapel within the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

As well as this one to show just a couple examples:

Chapel in Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Chapel in Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

In these chapels you often find services held in individual languages. Remember this is a destination for people from all over the world. You can also pass by the many reliquaries.

Reliquary at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Reliquary at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

And I highly recommend staying for mass and watching the swinging of the botafumiero, which is something you won’t see in many cathedrals.

The botafumiero at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

The botafumiero at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

The music as part of the service is wonderful and very uplifting, much of it played on the pipe organ you see in the next photo.

Pipe organ at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Pipe organ at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

While the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela may not be the largest, it is among the most important and worth your time to visit in this part of Spain. As always, be respectful while touring such places of worship.

Tower of Hercules, Spain

The Tower of Hercules in A Coruña, Spain, is the only Roman lighthouse still in use as an aid to navigation. Of course, it’s had some work done since the Roman’s it built it a coupe of thousand years ago.

Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

There is a parking lot  located several hundred meters from the tower itself. Then you walk along a long promenade out to the tower itself where you pay a small fee and enter the lowest portion. There you’ll find ruins from various times of occupation as well as quite a few steps to get to the top. However, the view is worth the climb.

View to the north from the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

View to the north from the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

It can be quite windy here so secure your hair.

View to the east from the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

View to the west from the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

And be sure to hang on to your camera.

View to the south from the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

View to the south from the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain.

If you’re lucky you might see some ships or sailboats out there. After that long climb up the stairs, head into town for a great meal. You earned it!

Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Spain

Located near Oviedo, Spain,  Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, ensconces you in the kind of upscale experience that you will never forget.

Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

The building is a modern interpretation of a castle with all the modern conveniences.

Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

From the moment you enter the reception area, you know you are in a special place:

Central foyer Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Ovideo, Spain.

Central foyer Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Ovideo, Spain.

My stay was in a standard room that was far and above standard.

Room at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Room at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

The bed in the photo above is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. The bathroom you see next came with Bulgari toiletries.

Bathroom at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Bathroom at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

The double sink makes it easy to get ready for that special evening out. On the main level you’ll find several dining rooms, including this one:

Dining room at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Dining room at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

As well as a very pleasant bar:

Bar at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Bar at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Perhaps the most enticing feature is the spa where you can enjoy all the body rejuvenating treatments you’d like or just relax in the pool:

Spa at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Spa at Hotel Castillo Bosque de la Zoreda, Oviedo, Spain.

Staff here are professional in every way. They gave me excellent directions into the center of Oviedo, including the best places to park as well as suggestions for sights to see and restaurants. The information was spot on. Since this hotel is located just a few kilometers away from Oviedo, please follow the directions carefully. It is worth the short journey for a charming experience.

 

 

La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain

La Consistorial is one of those great little bars that I’m constantly looking for while traveling.

La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

It’s on the far edge of the plaza in the heart of Oviedo Spain. A few tables outside as you see above, and some more inside, all populated by regulars.

Interior, La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

Interior, La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

There was a little sign that said tapas made to order so please be patient, that type of thing. I thought to myself that’s a good indicator of quality and took a seat. While catching bits of conversation from around the room, I perused the offerings and made my selection. The lady behind the bar slipped away and produced some very fine tapas.

Tapas at La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

Tapas at La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

In the photo above you see a crab salad with an anchovy, a little bocadillo, then a four cheese version with a bit of marmalade. Very tasty stuff here and super fresh. Of course another round had to be enjoyed.

Fresh tapas at La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

Fresh tapas at La Consistorial, Oviedo, Spain.

This time it was the salmon with cream cheese, and a jamón, peppers, and egg. Of course the freshness made all the difference. I chatted with the bartender/cook/operator of this place. We discussed the difference between fast food culture in the USA and Spain. If you’re careful, you can actually find reasonably priced “fast food” in the form of these tapas for a price that isn’t significantly more than a garbage fast food meal typical to the USA. I’d much rather have the tapas in a place as unique as this than some meal out of bag at the drive-thru window. Enjoy every meal and find the good ones!