Spain trip - Ávila, pt. 4

Monastery of the Incarnation

Entering the monastery

Looking back to the walled city from the monastery

Virgen de la Soterraña - Basilica de San Vicente

Royal cloister @ Monastery of Santo Tomas

Charles' last day in Ávila began with a delightful breakfast at the hotel and then having secured his luggage at the hotel, he set off to see the last three of the significant Teresa of Ávila sights on his list.

His first stop was the Monasterio de La Encarnación, the place where in 1535, Teresa had entered the Carmelite order. Charles got to experience a nice museum and, having noticed a special prayer opportunity inside the convent on a poster, he was invited inside. This was a fantastic opportunity to see Teresa's cell, where the cloistered nuns still gather to see the mass through screens, and where St. John of the Cross used to hear confession. It helps to pay attention!

Next up was the Basilica de San Vicente which is built on the site of the martyrdom of three siblings, Vicente, Sabina, and Cristeta. Of interest for Teresa pilgrims is that in the crypt of the basilica is a chapel dedicated and adorned with the image of the Virgen de la Soterraña where Teresa had her vision experience that led to the reformation of the Carmelite order in Spain.

Making his way back across town Charles passed by numerous churches and hermitage sites. The streets of this place are filled with reminders of the impact of the faith and the faithful.

Next was last of the major sites, the Monasterio de Santo Tomas, sometimes called the Monasterio Real or the Royal Monastery. In addition to being a place where Teresa came for confession (when John of the Cross was unavailable), it is where the head of the Inquisition, Torquemada worked, and Pedro de Berruguette was engaged as an artist here.

And there are two museums with the complex. One features artwork gathered by the Dominican missionaries in their work in Asia [Museo de Arte Oriental] and the other of taxidermy [Museo de Ciencias Naturales] likewise sent back from the far-flung mission fields.

With the major places having been seen and a handful of smaller places closed on Monday it was time to head back to Madrid and resting up for the flight home.

It's been an amazing experience!

Final from Ávila: Museums, 9; Churches, 8