Astoria Afternoon

 Today turned out to be 15.9 miles, 34,049 steps counting some tourist steps.

The Episcopal Palace, also known as the Gaudí Palace was built by Antoni Gaudí between 1889 and 1913. It is one of only three buildings by Gaudi outside Catalonia. It is an amazing structure almost like a Disney princess castle.

There is a whole Santiago Museum.  There must have been fifty or sixty Santiagos or Pilgrims.  For once, I didn't photograph them all.

This is St James, the Moorslayer or St James Matamoros.  According to Wikipedia "The Christian king Alfonso II died in 842 and was succeeded by his nephew, Ramiro I of Asturias.

Meanwhile, in Christian circles the legend grew that James, a disciple of Jesus, had gone to Spain, founded the Church there, and provided protection for the Christians. Historians have found no evidence for these old claims.Old bones that were discovered were venerated as his relics.

The legend was that a battle took place. On Alfonso's death, the Moors demanded the reinstation of the tribute of 100 virgins (fifty noble and fifty common), which Alfonso had defied. Ramiro denied them the tribute and prepared for battle. On the night before the Battle of Clavijo he dreamt of St. James, who told him that God had chosen James as the patron for the Spanish kingdoms.

According to the legend, James appeared as a warrior on his white horse with a white banner to help Christian armies of King Ramiro I in battle against the Moors. The Christians marched on the cry of ¡Dios ayuda a Santiago! "God save St. James!". They slew more than 5000 Muslims and James became known as "Matamoros".

The palace was full of beautiful stained glass windows.

                                   The palace is built directly adjacent to the Catedral Astorga.

The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary.  It is a mishmash of different eras and styles from the late Gothic era, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo Classical.

This is the main altar....over the top as only the Spanish can do and make beautiful.

And right beside it are these smiley faced stained glass windows.  Smiley faced windows don't fit in any of those eras?

As you can see, the smiley faced windows are above a very gilded traditional Spanish altar entitled Chapel of the Immaculate Virgen.  Not sure what smiley faces above this chapel actually implies?

Beautiful traditional stained glass windows.

And now this ultra modern stained glass window.

This is the chapel of St. James the Pilgrim...a figure near and dear to my heart (and my feet)

A close up of Santiago!

Another more modern stained glass window.  These two faces look like they could be politicians of today.  It would be highly unusual for any of our politicians to be featured in a Cathedral.  Lightening might strike those windows.

This is the extraordinary chapel of Saint Lawrence.  Evidently Saint Lawrence was known for his generosity to the poor.  And before he was martyred, he gave away church treasures to the poor.  Not sure how that would go over with the Vatican?

This is looking back towards the main altar.  Magnificent!

Chapel of the Miraculous Virgen.  Some of these translations (not mine) might lend one to other ideas.  

This incredible rose window was my favorite.  And look at the unusual clock underneath it.  My understanding is that no matter the church, the pastor/priest doesn't want you to clock watch although we all do on occasion.  Not that I am admitting anything, George.

A beautiful door to a place that I wasn't permitted entrance.

A more traditional stained glass window.

The choir loft.  Wouldn't Dan (old or new, you pick) love this for a choir loft?

A statue glorifying in the Spanish Lion triumphing over the French eagle which goes back to 1810 and a local battle.

My hotel was located in the Plaza Mayor and I had a glass of wine sitting in an outdoor cafe watching the sights.

At the end of the Plaza Mayor is the magnificent Ayuntamiento with its beautiful 17th century Baroque facade. It features mechanical figures of a Maragato woman and a man striking the bell every hour.  

Look at this wonderful flower shop!

A girl needs treats.  I thought this was going to be a meringue but to my absolute delight it was a large coconut macroon.  And it is just one. Yum!  

I had the most incredible dinner.  This is the insalada mixta.  Insalada mixta always had tuna and I had a generous portion (right at the stem of my wine glass).  The vegetables tasted like they had just been picked and it was topped with a simple but excellent olive oil and vinegar.

My main course was sole.  I usually avoid deep fried like I avoid bed bugs but since it was sole, my favorite fish, I ordered it.  OMGosh, it was fabulous.  The batter was light and not greasy at all.  I was so stuffed, I skipped dessert completely.  I may be the only pilgrim who has to come home and enroll in weight watchers.  But then, I do love to eat!  Hoping you have an equally glorious meal tonight.  All of you Louisvillians will need the energy to survive the Derby festivities.