Tag: Salamanca

Salamanca to Avila

Sunday morning we walked across the Roman bridge from our Parador into Salamanca. When we were in the old town Saturday night the place was packed with people. Sunday morning it was almost empty which allowed us to appreciate the buildings.

About half way through our back roads drive to Avila we came upon Ermita de las Fuentes, a wonderful old church near the ridge top a long way from the nearest habitation. They had picnic tables so we had a wonderful picnic.

We found our Parador in Avila fairly easily. After our welcome drinks and the obligatory Duke vs Butch cribbage game we went out to walk the wall surrounding Avila. The wall is quite amazing. It is more than three kilometers long and very tall and formidable.

Casa de Insua, Portugal to Salamanca, Spain

Saturday morning we went through the museum at Casa de Insua before starting our travels for the day. Luis de Albuquerque built the Casa de Insua estate using his earnings from when he was Governor General of northern Brazil in the latter 1700s. His maps and artifacts are fascinating. All the tools and wine and olive oil making equipment were also fun to see. His electrical plant was one of the first in Portugal.

We did get off the main road and drive a few backroads on our way to Salamanca. I finally got some pictures of pigs grazing under the oak trees on their way to becoming Spain’s iconic Jamon Iberico.

In Salamanca we walked into the old town from our Parador and explored a bit.