Friday, April 8, 2016

SPAIN- COSTA BRAVA-MEETING NEW AND OLD FRIENDS


This is the Catalan Independentist  flag. The Catalan National Assembly voted for independence on 2012. The measure did not reach a majority , and is still a possibility in the next election.

CASTELLO D'EMOURIES

The Gothic parish church of Saint Maria has the structure and dimensions of a cathedral.
It is one of the most interesting examples of Catalan Gothic religious archetecture. It's construction started in the XII century, and continued throughout the XIV century. In the XV century, the facade with the outstanding marble porch was built.

The Gothic Meciterranean interour contains single Romanesque baptism fonts. An outstanding alabaster main altarpiece from the XV century. Two sarcophaguses of local Counts, a Gothic stained glass window, and many other fascinating features.

BEGUR

I met friends here for lunch.

The Aiguablava is one of the most prestigious beaches along the Costa Brava.

EL PORT DE LA SELVA


MONASTERY OF SANT PERE DE RODES



The orgins of the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes are lost in the mists of time and legend.
Archaeology has revealed the existence of a large building in the 6th century.

The monastery's golden age began in the 10th century, when a noble called Tasi and count Gausfred of Empuries took an interes in Sant Pere.

After large donations it became an abbey in 944.

The church we can now see was built in the 10th and 11th centures, and the monastery became the most important centers of spirtual, political and economic power of the day. It was able to commission works of great artistic value, such as the doorway by the master of Cabestany.

in 1798 the monks decided to abandon the monastery.

The Church property was plundered and gradually fell into ruin. In 1930, the first restoration work began and continued through the 20th century.

Between 1989 and 1999 agressive restoration took place.

Since then the monastery has become one of Spain's most visited ancient monuments.

The drive along the coast.....


and of course a place to stop and taste wine...

WONDERFUL PEOPLE .....WONDERFUL PLACE
And time to move on......
AU REVOIR...UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN......

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