Salamanca street theatre: El crimen del Fraile Luis

¡Hola!

 I had heard a lot about street theatre in Salamanca, which is performed in various locations around the city. So, when my course suggested a group visit, I decided to try it out.

 The location for "El crimen del Fraile Luis" was in the old town, outside the Church of San Benito. We sat down and hoped the sun would go down as it was almost impossible to look at the stage! Luckily it had darkened by the time the play began.

 The play tells of how Fraile (Brother) Luis de León, an important real-life figure in Spanish history, tries to prevent the execution of a possibly innocent boy. There are four characters: the rambunctious Civil Guard...

 Fraile Luis...

 the young boy, Martín...

 and his sister, Lucia. The last was perhaps the best performer on the night; she really moved me.

 The play was shorter than I had anticipated but was enjoyable and inspired me to see more street theatre in the future.

 I hope you like my photos.

 Thanks for reading,

 Liz x

The Shell House and climbing the Clerecía

 Hola!

 When Cursos Internacionales - the part of the University of Salamanca in which I was studying - organised a visit to the Clerecía Towers, I hopped on board. 

 The Clerecía is a combined college and church. Along with the Cathedrals it dominates Salamanca's skyline.

 The group met at the Casa de las Conchas, the Shell House. I love this house; the shells always remind me of when I was younger and would make shells and other shapes from sand on the beach using plastic moulds. The house really looks as though a child had attacked it with sand and a mould!

 Once all the group had assembled we entered the Clerecía and started the climb up to the Towers. We came to a museum-y area with scale models and old books and maps.

 There was a balcony that overlooked the chapel. It was magnificent. I like how nature is so incorporated into the art.

 We then did the bulk of the climbing up into one of the Towers. From there we would be able to cross to the other. The way up was dark and quite narrow but it was worth it for the views when we finally made it.

The Convent of San Esteben

Wind turbines thortugh a haze of heat

The Plaza Mayor

The Rua Mayor

This tiny walkway was the only way of passing between the two towers. It was rather evocative; I felt as though we were in a historical novel.

The Cathedrals

 I braved the extremely narrow column of stairs (below) leading to the very top of the tower where we could hang out with the bells and pigeons and enjoy an even more amazing vista.

 Overall, it was a great experience and allowed me to see Salamanca from - literally - a whole new angle and perspective. I hope you've enjoyed my photos.

 Thanks for reading,

 Liz x