Alba de Tormes

November 1, 2023

It seems that the days we don't walk are more tiring than those when we do, so we've had a quiet day in Alba de Tormes today.

We went back to the Museo Teresiana and bought Alba cards. Most museums, and churches, have an entrance fee which add up quite quickly but by buying the card at a reasonable price we have free access for 48 hours. The cards are more economical. 

Having bought the Alba cards at the Museo Teresiana it was the first place we visited. As well as the museum to St Teresa we also had access to San Juan de la Cruz Church, St John of the Cross, which is now houses an exhibition rich in religious art as well as artifacts about both saints. 

From there we went to the Carmelite Museum - it was here that we were able to view the tomb of St Teresa. It can be seen above the main altar of the Church of the Annunciation but from the Carmelite Museum side we can viewed very closely. 

Later in the day we went to see the remaining tower of the Castillo de los Duques de Alba, which dates remaining to the 12th century. The castle itself is now in ruins. We were able to go up into the tower which gave great views out over Alba de Tormes and the surrounding countryside. 

St John of the Cross Church. It at present holds the exhibition - access was through the Museo Teresiana. 

Some photos taken in the Museo Teresiana:

The tomb of St Teresa and some photos of the room it can be viewed from in the Carmelite Museum:

The tomb of St Teresa 

The remaining tower of the Castillo de los Duques de Alba:

It's walls were very thick - around 3 meters or more in depth. 

One room was rich in frescoes painted between 1567 and 1571:

The ceiling of the fresco room:

Vews of Alba de Tormes from the tower:

Other photos of our day in Alba de Tormes:

St John the Cross Church 

The Plaza Mayor

Jeff coming out of a pasteleria with some tasty treats. He had to queue for quite a while as it was a very popular shop.

The Church of Santiago.

 

A couple of random street shots: