Seeing the Sights

After being in Spain for just a little over a week, we finally had our first organized tour of the town. Although we had walked pass some of these places on various occasions, it was really nice to be able to hear the history behind each. We made stops at Catedral Nueva de la Asunción de la Virgen (New Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin), which was anything but new. It was built between the 16th and 18th centuries, with its completion in 1733. It is only called 'new' because it is newer than La Catedral Vieja de Santa María (The Old Cathedral of Santa Maria) built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Inside it is very beautiful, with it's high ceilings, stain-glass windows, organ, carvings, and statues. It was designed in the beautiful Late Gothic and Baroque styles. There are also several small capillas or chapels throughout dedicated to different saints. In one of the capillas, there was a sign which stated, "En la urna está el antebrazo izquierdo del Beato Julián Rodríguez S." which means, "In this urn in the left forearm of the Blessed Julian Rodriguez S." It was slightly strange to see a preserved arm so close, but also really interesting to witness.

 

Another interesting aspect about this cathedral is the fact that on the outside, right next to one of the exits, are carved an astronaut (a contemporary element incorporated during restoration) and a smiling devil holding an ice cream cone (who, according to the tour guide, is very happy because it is very hot in hell. Haha.) 

The other places we visited included La Casa de Las Conchas and La Universidad Detalle de la fachada, which was also very beautiful inside. In the past, many students, all men and very wealthy, would come here to study entirely in the language of Latin. On the facade is a hidden frog, which according to legend will give anyone who sees good luck. It is pretty difficult to find, without a little help. Can you find it??

Any luck yet?

The tour was very informative and it was nice to be able to hear a little bit about the city I'm inhabiting. I learn something new everyday and it's only just begun!