We had not yet had the experience of visiting a Camera Obscura (also known as a Dark Chamber or Dark Camera), and so we include it in our list of places to visit in Cadiz. In fact, the Camera Obscura of Cadiz is one of nine that exist in Spain. Continue reading “Cádiz, the Tavira Tower and its Camera Obscura”
Due to its large dimensions it is catalogued by some as the “Escorial tabaquero”, or the Palace of the (Tobacco) Industry. Surely they are not mistaken, the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville is undoubtedly the largest industrial building of the eighteenth century and the best architecture of its kind in Spain. In addition, it is one of the oldest of this type of structure that is preserved, being the headquarters of the first tobacco factory established in Europe. Continue reading “Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville”
At any time of the day, the “Plaza de España” in Seville is ready to welcome all those who visit it with a big hug. Perhaps, that semi-elliptical shape that stands out in the structure, can be considered as the embrace of Spain to its American territories and the Ibero-American people during the 1929 Exposition. Continue reading “The Plaza of Spain in Seville; it embraces”
From the first moment we saw her, we fell in love with her. That church that looms majestically as we approach the Prado Museum. We are talking about the Church of “San Jerónimo El Real”. Continue reading “Madrid and its “San Jerónimo El Real” Church”
Upon entering the Cathedral of Burgos, we never suspected how overwhelming it could be and that is not necessarily a negative thing. On the contrary, there is so much to see! Continue reading “The stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Burgos”
Upon hearing the name Gaudí, one must pause and imaginarily travel to Barcelona and reminisce about the “Sagrada Familia” Church, “Casa Batlló”, “Casa Milá”, “Parque Güell”, among many other works of architecture so different and beautiful at the same time. Structures where Gaudí masterfully combined decoration, symbolism and functionality, comfort and use of the interior spaces. All this based on the detailed observation and careful study of nature and its forms. Continue reading ““Casa Botines, León and Gaudí””
Upon seeing the Alcazaba of Malaga in the distance, we thought it was a monumental fortress structure and when entering we confirmed it was and much more. Continue reading “Malaga and its Alcazaba”
One of those places in Seville that you cannot miss out on is the “Plaza del Cabildo”. Access is somewhat hidden, but it is located in the Arenal neighborhood, close to the Cathedral. We entered from “Avenida de la Constitución”. When we arrived at this small square, a smile surged on our faces, not only because of how beautiful it can be, but it turns out to be an oasis in the summer time and provides us with a little relief from the high temperatures of Seville. Being somewhat hidden from the hustle and bustle, it is the perfect place to cool off and recharge your batteries to continue enjoying this great city. Continue reading ““La Plaza del Cabildo” – Seville, Spain”
Upon entering the Spanish city of Toledo through the Bisagara Gate, you will reach the Arrabal neighborhood and immediately with what some have called “the most imposing Mudejar complex in Toledo,” the Church of Santiago el Mayor. Brick and masonry of the thirteenth century, it was converted and edifice over an old mosque. Continue reading ““Santiago el Mayor del Arrabal” Church, Toledo”
The Catholic Monarchs in gratitude for the victory at the battle of Toro in 1476, battle which resolved the succession to the throne in favor of Princess Isabel, ordered the construction of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes” in Toledo, Spain. In 1477 the architect Juan Guas began the works and ten years later, the main chapel, the main nave of the church and the vaults were completed. Its style is Gothic, the so-called “Hispanic-Flemish” or the reign of the Catholic Monarchs.
On the facade of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes”, the symbolism of royal power is reinforced through the statues of heralds.
In total there are twelve, six are observed here. The heralds were in charge of preceding the monarchs in their appearances in public and presenting their messages in the courts of other kingdoms. Originally it was intended that this Monastery were to house the remains of the monarchs upon their deaths. Eventually the honor was bestowed to Granada with the construction of the Royal Chapel.
The chains and shackles of the liberated Christian prisoners are found hanging from the exterior walls. The queen ordered they be so exhibited here in 1494.
The Cloister
In the Cloister of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes” in Toledo, Spain, we can find a garden with pomegranates, myrtles, cypress, orange, and other species. With a square layout, the courtyard of the cloister usually has a place in the center where four paths cross. In this case, in the center is the water well.
The windows that open to the cloister allow the flow of a very unique lighting to the enclosure. One can also observe the beautifully carved stone, as if it were filigree and can find the works of the sculptor Cecilio Béjar of Toledo, who also worked until 1967 on the restoration of the images of the saints that are found in the lower cloister. Among the sculptures made by Béjar are dragons, apes and exotic birds. The gargoyles found have the function of relieving the water collected from the roof, serving as a drain.
On the central windows that face the courtyard, we find eagles holding royal shields between yokes and beams of arrows. Cresting is used, that is, fretwork found in the upper part of a building or a roof.
The fretwork borders the roof tiles and hides it with the use of pinnacles or needles which provide for greater height of the structure from the cloister.
The Monastery Church
The church of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes” in Toledo, has a single nave covered with ribbed vaults, starry dome over the presbytery, high choir and side chapels between the buttresses. The abundant decoration that adorns the cruise and the main chapel stands out. As for the altarpiece of the presbytery, the original one disappeared during the Napoleonic war.
The current one from the last century comes from the “Santa Cruz” Hospital of Toledo, founded by Don Pedro González de Mendoza, Cardinal of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. That is why the weapons of Cardinal Mendoza, founder of the Hospital, are showcased in the altarpiece. Its author is Francisco de Comontes, carver and painter. In the altarpiece one observe the scenes of: Jesus on the way to Calvary, The Descent and Santa Elena with the miracles of the Cross.