Ponferrada (Population 69,000)
"Yesterday is history; tomorrow a mystery; and today a gift. That is why it is called the present" Bil Keane
Another version is "Yesterday is relative, tomorrow is speculative, but today is electric. That's why it's called current" Travis Dultz
Well, even though I organised it back in January when I was planning this trip, today was the very best day not to be walking, and have a rest day. I told you that the previous day had been tough, and that was without rain. Factor in steady rain and cold conditions, and there were a lot of miserable, wet, cold pilgrims who arrived in Ponferrada late afternoon. One of them told me that there was no chatting. Everyone was having to concentrate on every footfall on stony slopes to stay safe, and not slip. So I was very happy not to be part of that.
The Templars Castle was constructed by Ferdinand II in 1178 AD to protect pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. The castle was named after the famed Knights of Templar who protected the town in the 12th century.The Knights were a fearsome unit, and one of the most skilled during the crusades. Having changed ownership a number of times, the castle is now owned by the King of Spain.
Entrance walkway |
These photos will give you an idea of the scale of the castle. I was delighted to see Francoise and Fiona there - I had met them when I stayed at Villavente after my first day walking.
Walls viewed from interior |
Francoise and Fiona in wet weather gear |
Looking down from top of tower |
Scale model of original buildings inside courtyard |
When I walked through the outside gates, I was surprised to find a large open area. I had expected to be going in to a large entrance lobby with banquet rooms etc. The model to the left shows what the buildings inside the castle looked like originally.
The modern buildings there now house a museum and the Templars library which is home to over 1,400 books. There was an exhibition of beautifully illustrated bibles from museums all over the world.This National Historical Artistic Monument boasts work from Leonardo da Vinci among its impressive collection.
Illuminated Bibles |
Knights setting off for the Crusades |
These are two of the first books in which reference is made to Camino pilgrims and the duty of the Knights and townspeople to host and protect them. |
Cold stone benches |
These photos were taken from the top of one of the castle's towers, looking over the town of Ponferrada.
Delectable icecream |
Rain didn't stop all day. So fortunate that this was a day that I wasn't walking on The Way..
23 Km tomorrow to Villafranca del Bierzo. Hope that the rain has stopped by morning.
23 Km tomorrow to Villafranca del Bierzo. Hope that the rain has stopped by morning.
Today's Gratitude Item:
The workmanship of those long ago craftsmen who erected all the beautiful stone houses, churches, public buildings, farm walls, and castles, many of which are still as strong now hundreds of years later as when they were built .
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