Ribeira Sacra

I have had visitors so have made an effort to visit places of interest that I have not been to before. Starting with Ribeira Sacra, this name has been given to the valleys of the rivers Sil and Mino because of the number of ancient monasteries to be found there. the oldest is San Pedro de Rocas, started in the 6th century and carved out of the rock.

It also contains a number of ancient sarcophagi.

Then onto the Monastery of Santo Esteban, this is now a Parador. The church was closed but we got to look around the monastery buildings, and to have a cup of tea!

From here we went to Santa Cristina, the church was shut but there was a lovely arch way and a cloister.

A piece of engraved stone work!



Below are pictures of the Monastery of Santa Maria at Montederramo.

Finally we went to the Fortress of Castro Caldelas.

England May 2012

 I was back in England for a week, in may, and got to see the Olympic Torch being carried through Worcester.

Some of the out riders.

The torch.

It was quite a wait for not very much but there was a lovely atmosphere. I'm not likely to ever get the chance again.