What’s On
Lux Mundi visit Extremadura
Recently Lux Mundi Torre del Mar and Fuengirola had a four
day trip to Extremadura, a western Spanish region bordering
Portugal, comprising the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz. On
the first day the group accompanied by the guides Inma from
Lux Mundi and Virginia from Viajes Viana in Torrox Coasta,
travelled through the beautiful countryside to the city of
Cáceres. There were stops along the way and they arrived at
the 3* Hotel Alcántara at 4pm.
Some of the group then walked up the narrow streets to the
palace where they could admire the view of the town and the
beautiful surrounding countryside. It was then time to re-join
the coach for the short drive back to the hotel for dinner.
The third day was another full one starting with a drive to the
city of Merida founded by the Romans. The friends first visited
On arrival Virginia took those in the group who were
interested on a short visit into the old walled part of the town.
She explained that Cáseres was founded by the ancient
Romans. They first visited the Gothic, 15th century Santa Maria
Cathedral with its unusual carved cedar altar, followed by the
tourist office with its walled patio garden. They continued the
walk through the narrow streets to the Iglesia de la Preciosa
Sangre, where they saw an exhibition of models of the nativity
from all over the world, they then returned to the hotel for a
well earned dinner.
The second morning after an early breakfast the group joined
the coach for a two hour drive to the typical mountain village
of Guadalupe, in the region of Las Villueres. It became a World
Heritage Site in 1993 and is famous for the Royal Monestery of
Our Lady Santa Maria of Guadalupe. There was a guided tour
The Roman Theatre in Merida
the beautiful, very well preserved Roman theatre, where they
still hold concerts during the summer. This was followed by a
trip on the tourist train with a guided commentary in English,
where you got a wonderful view of the Lázaro aqueduct and
Roman bridge across the Rio Guadiana. Virginia then took
them on a walk through the town, passing the Temple of Diana
to visit the Alcazaba after which it was free time for lunch,
before the return drive to Cáseres.
Later that day Virginia took those who were interested for a
walk into town to visit another mansion which holds the Museo
de Cáceres, where there are displays of archaeological exhibits
and paintings by Miró and Picasso. They then returned to the
hotel for dinner.
The last day after breakfast they joined the coach for the
homeward journey travelling in the direction of Merida and
then toward Cordoba to visit La Ermita, Virgen de Ara (The
Sistine Chapel of Extremadura). It is set in beautiful
countryside and is a 15th century building, and in 1993 was
declared a Property of Cultural Interest and there was a guided
tour in English.
The friends in Caseres
in English visiting the museums of embroidery, books and
cantonal, sculpture and paintings and the treasury of our lady
followed by the Sacristy with its vaulted arches, breathtaking
decoration and paintings. Finally the Virgin’s Shrine also
beautifully decorated and in a small alcove the statue of the
Virgin seated on a throne. Afterwards there was time for lunch,
seated in the beautiful sunshine in one of the many restaurants
surrounding the square.
The main nave is decorated by 18th-century frescoes, by an
unknown author, which deals with scenes from Genesis and
landscapes. Also of great value is the Baroque main altarpiece.
It was well worth a visit and afterwards the friends joined the
coach for the homeward journey, stopping on the way for
lunch. All agreed it had been a wonderful excursion, full of
interest and visiting some unusual and beautiful places.
They then joined the coach for the one hour drive to the town
of Trujillo which is built on a hill, at the top of which is a
Moorish palace, built in 1232 to defend the town against the
Spaniards in the Reconquest it became part of Christian Spain.
The first stop was the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by a covered
archway, palaces, shops and restaurants. The plaza is also
guarded by a large bronze-cast statue of Francisco Pizarro who
conquered Peru.
Lux Mundi would like to thank all who supported this
excursion, which enables them to continue with their
charitable work and we hope to see you all again at future
events in the Centre and excursions. For contact details of Lux
Mundi please see page 55.
PATRICIA ROTHWELL
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