Julio and Enrique Iglesias used to live in this house.
The market is across the road.
A short walk to the Burgas.
Yes, the sky is grey. That's because we are in Galicia and it's not midday yet.
Ourense is famous for it's springs, Burgas. The water temperature is 65°C.
Women used to come here to pluck their chickens as the water is the ideal temperature to immerse the bird which makes the feathers easier to pull.
The analysis of the water has been posted and it is not suitable for everyone to drink...
...although a lot of people do and praise it's medicinal properties.
The water is also ideal for bathing once it has cooled a bit.
This is the site of an original Roman bath. That's why they settled here.
The cathedral, originally built in the 6th century, was reconstructed in the 13th century.
Our guide, Rosa, knew everything and more about the whole area and the Cathedral.
A statue of Saint James stands in the entrance to the "Door of Paradise" in imitation of the "Door of Glory" in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The Ponte do Milenio, the Millenium Bridge, has quite a striking design with walkways going between the 2 leaning towers.
Unfortunately this was not the engine pulling our train. It is an exhibit outside the railway station.
So, back to the train for lunch during which the train headed off to Santiago de Compostela.
Lunch was Millefeuille de Foie Gras with apple and Goat cheese...
...followed by Callos con Garbanzos a la Gallega, Tripe with Chickpeas Galician style...
...Bacalao a la Portuguesa, Cod Portuguese style,...
...finished off with Torjas de Pan de Hogaza sobre crema de vainilla, French Toast on Vanilla Cream.
At Santiago de Compostela they had a more recent engine on display.
The Parador is on one of the other sides of the square...
The Cathedral started off as a small Church in 829 AD to house the remains of Saint James although it was destroyed by Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir army commander of the caliph of Córdoba.
However, the remains of Saint James were untouched and the current building was started in 1035.
On the end of the rope to the right is one of the largest swinging incense burners in the world. It is known as an Incensory or Botafumeiro, smoke expeller, in Galician. It can be seen in the next photo.
Note the Botafumeiro, unfortunately, not in motion when we saw it.
...and you can see those horizontal organ pipes.
6 decorations on this door depict the story of Saint James - here he is one of the first to join Christ with his brother John and father Zebedee.
James follows Christ in His teachings.
James preaches in Spain. It was James who saw the Virgin Mary on a pillar at Zaragoza and at that place was built the Catedral-Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
James is beheaded on his return by Herod Agrippa. He was the first apostle to be martyred for his faith.
His body was brought to Galicia...
...and buried at what is now Santiago de Compostela.
The entrance to the tomb of Saint James which we visited. Quite a moving experience!
The Parador is known as Santiago Hostal Dos Reis Católicos.
Phenomenal architecture.
The wealthiest families had the biggest chimneys.
2 pilgrims having completed their walk collect their certificates.
The "passport" has been stamped at every stop along the way to verify the walk has been done.
A shop with almost as many hats as I have.
A visit to the Cathedral museum.
And later, to the Parador de Santiago for our evening meal.
A Galician folk group - note the bagpipes!
A group of pilgrims with the folk group.
The restaurant.
To start: Sardine loin in Garlic Mayonnaise and Empanada de Bonito Encebollado,...
...with Caldo Gallego Colado, Galician Broth,...
......Octopus Galician Style,...
Baked Acorn "Presa" - presumably this refers to the acorns the pigs eat which gives the meat a full flavour,...
...and to finish, Crepes Stuffed with Cream and Apple which were fantastic!
And so we say "Good night" to the Cathedral...
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