Spain is the location that the Romans used to call Finis Terrae, or ‘end of the world’, and it was to here that the Apostle James travelled to preach and convert people to Christianity (St James translated into Spanish is Santiago).
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: In the 9th Century, a hermit discovered the tomb of St James in a forest and pilgrims have been visiting Santiago ever since. News of this find spread throughout Europe; the King of Galicia and Asturias visited to pay his respects and a cathedral was erected by Alfonso IX at the site of the discovery. Pilgrims increased in numbers throughout the Middle Ages, travelling along the now famous Camino de Santiago (or Pilgrim Way) and the cathedral was ultimately extended to accommodate growing popularity.
BURGOS: A provincial capital in Spain’s autonomous community of Castile and León, is marked by its intact medieval architecture. Its most recognizable landmark is the French Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary, whose 3 main doorways are flanked by ornamented bell towers. Inside is the Chapel of Condestable, decorated with figures of saints, and the tomb of El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar), the 11th-century military commander.
AVILA: A capital of the Spanish province of the same name, is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid. It’s best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar, on the eastern side.
Saint Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada, was a prominent Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic saint, Carmelite nun, author, and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. She was a reformer in the Carmelite Order of her time and the movement she initiated eventually led to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites. In 1622, forty years after her death, she was canonised by Pope Gregory XV and, on 27 September 1970, she was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI.
SALAMANCA: Situated in north western Spain, it is the capital of Salamanca province, part of the Castile and León region. With a history dating back to the Celtic era, it’s known for its ornate sandstone architecture and for the Universidad de Salamanca. The new Cathedral is, together with the Old Cathedral, one of the two cathedrals of Salamanca.