Thursday 18 April 2019

Today’s culture was a visit to the Castillo dela Concepcion. This castle was built in the 13th century by King Alfonso X, because it was on a strategic vantage point over the city. It was used until the 18th century, when it was abandoned. Being high on a hill, it has panoramic views of the city and the visitor centre offers some incite into the city’s history. There was a great deal about Queen Isabella, who came to the throne, age 23, because her brother died. She was the first and only female monarch in Europe at that time. She set up the Spanish Inquisition, founding the religious brotherhoods, to drive out Jewish and Muslim practices. She was also the sponsor of Christopher Columbus. There is an exhibition of the clothes that she and the courtiers wore, all very elaborately embroidered. It is easy to see where the traditions of the costumes of the paraders come from.

In the early evening there was a march of a Roman garrison outside the main church with the trono being carried out by the team from the brotherhood of Californios, the brotherhood of Lord Jesus’ arrest. They looked rather sinister in their black head gear.

We’ve given the evening procession a miss. I don’t think our legs will take standing for two hours again. We’ll save our selves for the bigger procession tomorrow.

Distance covered today	0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	99	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	99	nautical miles
Tricia (and Steve)