We left the ‘pilgrim trail’ and a part of me was sad. We had only journeyed a very short distance on the Comino but I had found so much on it. Now we’re in Segovia and what a place.
Segovia, unlike Burgos and to a point Pamplona, is a very old city but vibrant and alive. The town was buzzing with people. Bars and shops lined the tight cobbled streets and the main square was alive with tourists and locals alike. The many restaurants advertised their meals and they spilled onto the streets and walkways with parasol covered areas with the usual tables and chairs, but even heaters, yes it was still cold.
The main attraction here is the Roman built aqueduct, quite a lot of which is still in tact. Not used to transport water into the town any more but still an impressive structure which fed under ground waterways into the heart of the city. to quote a film ‘after all what did the Romans ever give us?’
We had a couple of places to visit in Segovia, yes the aqueduct, but also the Cathedral, the Centro San Juan de la Cruz and the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, sadly the latter was closed. The Cathedral was like so many others we had visited on this trip, a Gothic style building with Baroque influence, large altar pieces, many side chapels dedicated to saints, amazing artwork, but there was something about this place of worship. I could sit and talk to God. Whether I could on a regular basis I don’t know, but it had a special feel. Music was playing. Did this make a difference?
This cathedral was part of the community. As before I just loved the cloister, a wonderful space of quiet and contemplation. God has been here for centuries and you could feel it.
Next to Centro San Juan de la Cruz. A major figure of the Counter-Reformation, to Spanish mystic, to Roman Catholic saint, to Carmelite friar and to priest, who is buried here at the Convent of the Discalced Carmalites. He was a contemporary of, and indeed assisted Teresa of Avila. This church was very moving and a highlight for me was probably the simplest – an altar cloth with embroidered bread and wine with the words La cena que recrea y enamora, ‘the dinner that recreates and falls in love’. Beautiful words to go with communion with our Lord.
Holy Places - a journey of discovery 