just around the corner

Madrid, Spain

Just around the corner is the fairly "new" cathedral of Madrid - Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of la Almudena - which wasn't built until the late 19th century.  Talk of building the cathedral started in the 16th century when the capital of Spain was moved from Toledo to Madrid, but Spain's priority at the time was to expand and maintain the Empire; therefore, the cathedral was put on hold.

 

streets of Madrid

Madrid, Spain

emblematic buildings

Madrid, Spain

People cross the street here all the time, but do they ever really look up and appreciate the details of this building?

Banco España on Paseo del Prado

 

Courage and Temperance

Madrid, Spain

Courage and Temperance - These statues on top of the emblematic Puerta de Alcalá represent two of the four Cardinal Virtues.

standing tall

Madrid, Spain

Standing tall, this church grabs your attention on Alcalá Street next to the Retiro Park.

Church of San Manuel y San Benito - Neo-Byzantine style - 1902-1910

fall foliage

Madrid, Spain

Walking just past the Prado Museum, this made me stop in my tracks!  Could it be any more beautiful?!  

The Retiro Park used to belong to the Spanish Monarchy up until the late 19th century.  Now it is enjoyed by all and is located in the heart of Madrid.

details

Guimarães (Norte Region), Portugal

18th century wonder

Guimarães (Norte Region), Portugal

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos - Church of Our Lady of Consolation and the Holy Steps

 

Castle doors

Ampudia (Palencia - Castilla y León), Spain

Castillian architecture

Ampudia (Palencia - Castilla y León), Spain

Traditional Castillian architecture

 

funny signs

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

Funny signs for the pharmacy...

 

popular Basque architecture

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

eguzkilore

Lesaka (Navarra), Spain

This flower, eguzkilore, literally translated from Basque means "sunflower".  The name of this flower in English is the silver thistle.  Traditionally, Basque families put it on the outside of their houses for good fortune and to protect themselves from the evil spirits that were known to be out at night.  Having this flower supposedly meant the sun was shining on the house, which in turn would keep these spirits away.  Another belief is that the flower protected the house from lightning and storm damage.

If you travel around the Basque country, you will notice it decorating many homes!  So, now you know why!

another pretty street

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

red and white

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

So many houses and shops have peppers hanging from them!

change

Sare (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

heaven

Guéthary (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

This was just two weeks ago!  The weather has changed a bit since!

 

village life in the north

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

verdant villages

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

Here's a perfect example of what a village is like in Navarra...

austere beauty

Lesaka (Navarra), Spain

Quite somber and austere, but at the same time something catches my eye and I can't stop looking.

 

mountain villages

Lesaka (Navarra), Spain

The northern part of Navarra bordering France is full of villages tucked away in the mountains, valleys, pasturelands and forests.  This area is well worth a visit!

local architecture

Ainhoa (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Less than three kilometers from the border with Spain, this quaint little village in the heart of the French Basque Country, with a population of less than 700 people, is a perfect example of the typical Basque architecture of the area.  Many of these buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century due to the fact that the original were destroyed in the 30 Years War.

French countryside

Ainhoa (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Peeking out behind this rolling countryside is the 13th century Church of our Lady of the Assumption located in the village of Ainhoa.

 

peppers galore

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Houses and shops alike are covered with this regional delight.

regional delights

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

So many kinds of cheese...

dried peppers everywhere

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Espelette, in the heart of the French Basque Country, is known for its dried red peppers.  The traditional red and white houses of this region are covered with these peppers hanging out to dry, creating quite a spectacle for anyone who visits.

quaint hilltop village

Sare (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

The 17th century Church of Saint Martin sits in the center of this quaint Basque hilltop village set amid pastoral fields with cows and sheep grazing everywhere.

November beach days

Guéthary (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

A day at the beach in November...

room with a view

Guéthary (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

The picture is a little crooked, but all the same, what a view!

sunset over Igeldo

San Sebastián (Gipúzkoa - Basque Country), Spain