Walking the Camino de Santiago
In the 13th century, San Pedro was the first church built within the town walls of Viana. Well, I say “within” but “part of” might be closer to the truth. The fortress-like church formed part of the defenses of the city, and its tower was a major lookout for the town. In the 18th century, it was seized by an […]
» Read more
Fifteen minutes later, we were standing in front of Florida. We found this hilarious, as Patrick (pictured here) is from Florida. Clearly we were a feeling a little punchy. This photo was taken seven years ago today. Seems like forever ago, and just yesterday. Date: 07 April 2013Place: Viana (Navarra, Spain) Maps!
» Read more
We found our Camino family eating lunch in the plaza next to the Iglesia de Santa María de Viana. Patrick and I joined them, grabbing food from one of several nearby cafés and shops and picnicking in the cold Plaza los Fueros with our friends. This photo is taken from the same spot that yesterday’s photo was taken, just facing […]
» Read more
This is, I presume, the outside door to the sacristy of the Iglesia de Santa María de Viana. In any case, it’s in about the correct position to be, and it faces our picnic spot on the plaza. I just love the patterns made using the river stones on the porch before the door. Date: 07 April 2013Place: Viana (Navarra, […]
» Read more
Stymied and denied entry to the Iglesia de Santa María de Viana, I at least took some photos of the outside as Patrick and I tried to figure out what to do next. To our surprise, much of the rest of our Camino family was across the plaza eating lunch! We joined them, grabbing food from one of several cafés […]
» Read more
Yesterday I told the story of the death of Cesare Borgia. This is the façade of the Iglesia de Santa María de Viana where he is buried. We arrived just as Mass was letting out. Shortly after this photo was taken, Patrick and I went up to the open doors of the church to look for the tomb and to […]
» Read more
Welcome to Viana! The town continues to be proud of its largest claim to fame: it was here that the infamous Cesare Borgia met his doom. Imprisoned in Spain by his “uncle’s” successor as Pope, Cesare escaped and became a mercenary captain for his brother-in-law, King Juan III of Navarre, who was dealing with a civil war. During the siege […]
» Read more
The Camino turns into roadwalking, and the town of Viana finally appears! This had been our goal for lunch, and this photo was taken at about 12:30, so we’re more or less on schedule. The current city was founded in 1219 by King Sancho VII “el Fuerte” of Navarra. Viana is famous for its churches – and ruined churches – some of which […]
» Read more
Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, these stone ruins continued to dot the vineyards through which the Camino passed. Some, like this one, appear to be undergoing restoration and being put to use. Date: 07 April 2013Place: between Torres del Río and Viana (Navarra, Spain) Maps!
» Read more
Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, these stone ruins continued to dot the vineyards through which the Camino passed. This photo was taken at just past noon, and still Viana is nowhere in sight. Date: 07 April 2013Place: between Torres del Río and Viana (Navarra, Spain) Maps!
» Read more