Semana santa, Segovia

This, compared to the last post, will be shorter!  I have already talked about Segovia, when Carol and I went on a day trip there.  It was cold when we went then, and it was as cold,  maybe colder, when I returned.  Though there was no snow on the edge of the train line like last time, it seemed to me that the snow was denser on the hills.  While out walking during the day there was even hail falling, and the weather forecast was for sleet overnight.

Segovia is famous for its Roman aqueduct, built in the first century AD.  Its purpose was to carry water from the mountains, around 17kms away, to the homes and public places such as baths.  The amazing thing about this is that apparently it was still in use until the early 1970's.  It is now, naturally,  a UNESCO world heritage site.


There are storks nest on top of the church tower.  My hotel window looked out on that church, and I kept my window open so I could listen to their chatter. 

For those who like facts and figures this structure has 167 arches, some of them double arches, all of them supported by massive pillars.  At the highest point it stands 28.5 metres high, including 6 metres of foundation.  It is made of unmortered granite blocks.  The Moors destroyed part of it in 1072, but in the 15th cenury it was rebuilt. 

Because I had more time to explore this time rather than our flying visit previously, I was able to visit the Cathedral, and, as expected, an impressive building.

In the Cathedral there was a chapel dedicated to Santiago Apostal.
And this is the usual depiction of him fighting the Moors in the battle of Clavijo
I am thinking that this might be Santiago heading to his stone boat?!  It was at the bottom of the reablo.

I also went on a long walk around the outside of the town.  Here I discovered the Santiago gate, which being a steep climb down and then back up, I decided not to visit.  



I also saw the castle, which sits on a rocky outcropa.   On top I was pleased to see a storks nest and had the pleasure of seeing them soaring above the valley as they returned from collecting yet more nest building material.  The city walls adjourn the castle, and I followed them quite a way around the city.


The Plaza Mayor is at the top of the town, literally, and is adjacent to the Cathedral.   People who live, or work, in these towns must have a good fitness level as there is always hill climbing involved to get anywhere.
Returning to my hotel there was a noisy protest in the Plaza Mayor. 
Only a few Semana Santa banners decorating the Ayuntamiento. 

Sadly the processions that were meant to happen didn't due to the drizzle which at times turned to showers.  In fact, I only saw one, an "amended" procession, which was instead held inside the church.  I stood outside, along with others, peering through the door and the umbrellas.  Getting tired of that, when I could, I made my way inside to see what I could see, which wasn't much, but I was able to hear the band.



I said it was an "amended" procession.   What the cofradía did was to slowly move the massive paso around the church.  Resting at times, turning it, which is a laborious proceedure, and then slowly moving again.

The paso is always beautifully decorated. 
 
After 2 nights here in Segovia it is now time to head for Toledo

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