La Rioja

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successfull architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. The Romanesque apse (left) and the ambulatory of that church have survived the times. The tall Baroque tower of the Cathedral was built mid of the 18th century. The cathedral has a colorful website: www.english.catedralsantodomingo.es/

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successfull architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. The Romanesque apse and the ambulatory of the church have survived the times. Under the roofs of the apse are some great corbels. To the right Samson (long hair!) is riding the lion. - Judges 14:6 "The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands.." The lion to the left seems very impressed by Samson´s enormous strength and seems frozen in a gesture of submissiveness.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successfull architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. The Romanesque apse and the ambulatory of that church have survived the times. Under the roofs of the apse are some great corbels and capitals. Cultural exchange was very common along the caminos/chemins. In the nearby town of Estella (founded 1090) recent excavations have proven, that early settlers came from Le Puy ("Via Podiensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). So it is no wonder, that architectural designs and icons "traveled" with the pilgrims. Here is Saint Martin cutting his cloak ("capella") in half to share with the poor man. Martin of Tours was Bishop of Tours. His shrine in France was a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago. He was one of the most familiar saints for the frankish pilgrims.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. The Romanesque apse and the ambulatory of that church have survived the times. Under the roofs of the apse are some great corbels and capitals. I am not sure, but this scene may illustrate Genesis 19:1 "The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground."

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successfull architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. The Romanesque apse and the ambulatory of that church have survived the times. Under the roofs of the apse are some great corbels and capitals. The capital seen here is very weathered and damaged. It is a "Flight into Egypt", but it is a bit different from the common icon. In the very right corner sits Joseph in a position, that can often be seen, when the Magi have arrived in Bethlehem. The Magi now have obviously left - and above Joseph is an angel. Matthew 2:13 "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Further left Joseph, Mary and the child are already on their way. Mathew 2:14 "So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt."

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successfull architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. The Romanesque apse and thge ambulatory of that church have survived the times. Under the roofs of the apse are some great corbels. Cultural exchange was very common along the caminos/chemins. In the nearby town of Estella (founded 1090) recent excavations have proven, that early settlers came from Le Puy ("Via Podiensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). So it is no wonder, that architectural designs and icons "traveled" with the pilgrims. Here is a monkey on a rope, a typical "singe cordé", that can often be found in France (especially Burgundy).

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. Around the former cloister now is a museum. This little skull is not part of the museum´s exhibition. It is one of the many graffiti on the walls of the cloister.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. Around the former cloister now is a museum, there are many Baroque sculptures. Here is a rosy-cheeked boy with golden hair. Still a little sleepy.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. Around the former cloister now is a museum, there are many sculptures. Many of them are Baroque, but this Madonna is clearly older (13th c.).

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. Around the former cloister now is a museum, there are many sculptures. Here is a "Nursing Madonna" (aka "Madonna Lactans", "Maria lactans"). This was a popular "icon" from the 14th century on. Little Jesus seems not really enthusiastic about mother´s milk.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. After the visitor has entered the cathedral, he may hear the crowing of a rooster. It is connected to the "hen and rooster miracle", that I quote from the Cathedral´s website. "Legend tells of a German Pilgrim (..) was walking to Santiago with his parents, when they decided to rest at an inn in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. The owner of the inn´s daughter immediately fell in love with him; however her feelings were not reciprocated, so the girl, angered, placed a silver cup into his luggage and accused the boy of theft. Thieves at that time were punished by hanging, and this was the fate of Hugonell. His parents, saddened by his death continued the pilgrimage, and upon arriving in Santiago de Compostela, began their return journey to visit the grave of their dead son. When they arrived in Santo Domingo however, they found their son still hanging in the gallows but, miraculously alive. Hugonell, excited, said to them: “Santo Domingo brought back me to life, please go to the Mayor´s house and ask him to take me down”. Quickly, the parents arrived at the Mayor´s house and told him of the miracle. The incredulous Mayor, who was preparing to have dinner with friends, responded: “That boy is as alive as these two roast chickens we are about to eat,” and suddenly, the chickens came to life, sprouted feathers and beaks and began to crow, and so, to this day there is a saying about the town which goes: “Santo Domingo of the Way, where the roosters crow after being roasted”. In 1350 Pope Clement VI allowed, that the chicken could live inside the cathedral. These chicken are still there. Some even claim, that the chicken of today are descendants of the very first hen and rooster. Actually I heard a very similar story, when I walked through Barcelos in Portugal, where not Santo Domingo, but Saint James saved the poor boy. Left to the Gothic henhouse are chains and handcuffs - and above is a piece of the original gallows.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The vaultings seen here are Gothic, but the ambulatory is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The ambulatory, seen here, is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. Note that the carvings run high up to the "upper tier". The ambulatory, seen here, is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. Note that the carvings run high up to the "upper tier". The cathedral got recently renovated - and very bright, but unfortunately inadequate lighting system was installed here.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The ambulatory, seen here, is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. Note that the carvings run high up to the "upper tier". The ambulatory is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. King David sits cross legged and seems relaxed. He holds a vielle with five strings.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The ambulatory is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. God the Father holds the son on his knees. The left eagle is lost, the right one holds the inscription "IN PRINCIPIO". These are the first words of the Latin Bible ("Vulgate" / "In principio creavit Deus caelum et terram"). To the right three (of the ten) Wise Virgins. The frieze above is populated with some Elders of the Apocalypse.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The ambulatory is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. The new illumination adds drama to "Daniel in the Lions´ Den". Daniel 6:16 "So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The ambulatory is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. The Star of Bethlehem shines over the scene. The Magi have arrived and are adoring. The Virgin is seated (on a lion?) and holds the child. Tired Joseph tries to shadow his face from the glaring light of the newly installed illumination.

The town was founded by the hermit Domingo de la Calzada (aka "Dominic of the Causeway"), who supported the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Domingo not only built a hospital for the pilgrims, but as well a paved causeway and a bridge. He was such a successful architect, that he is still patron saint of the Spanish civil engineers. The first church, erected by him, got consecrated in 1106. Since 1232 this was the Seat of the Bishops of the Calahorra-La Calzada and Logroño, so the structure got enlarged and modified. The ambulatory is Romanesque and may (in parts) date back to the first church, built by Santo Domingo. Most of the elaborate carvings may date from the mid/end of the 12th century. This capital may depict "Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish" John 21, 4-7 "Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” "No" they answered. He said "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water."