After visiting the three major museums of Madrid, the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza
(all wonderful), we thought, "OK, no more museums". But on the
recommendation of our friend Lisa Efrat, we went to the Sorolla Museum. What a treasure!
Joaquin Sorolla was an Impressionist from Valencia and his former studio-mansion in Madrid has been converted into a museum. There are beautiful gardens with tiled benches and fountains. The building, built in 1910, has been left as it was when the artist died in 1923 and his paintings are displayed inside. The canvas he was painting just before he died remains in place, with brushes next to the unfinished work.
Sorolla painted in several styles, although he is best known for his beautifully lit Mediterranean beach scenes.
Our very close friends, Debbie and David Block Temin from Haifa came to visit for 3 days! They are "real" followers of the Rubin Trek because they also visited us in Trento, Italy (2010) and Paris (2014).
We had a wonderful 9-hour day-tour together to Avila and Segovia. (I will only post pictures from Avila since I already posted a blog about Segovia a few weeks ago when we visited with our host Jose.)
Avila is best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar.
The Cathedral of Ávila is a Romanesque and Gothic church. It was planned as a cathedral-fortress, its apse being one of the turrets of the city walls.
Joaquin Sorolla was an Impressionist from Valencia and his former studio-mansion in Madrid has been converted into a museum. There are beautiful gardens with tiled benches and fountains. The building, built in 1910, has been left as it was when the artist died in 1923 and his paintings are displayed inside. The canvas he was painting just before he died remains in place, with brushes next to the unfinished work.
Miles in Sorolla's garden
Pretty pool
Ceramic dish in Sorrola's home
Sorolla's paintbrushes in ceramic containers
Sorolla painted in several styles, although he is best known for his beautifully lit Mediterranean beach scenes.
Sample of Sorrola's style
Our very close friends, Debbie and David Block Temin from Haifa came to visit for 3 days! They are "real" followers of the Rubin Trek because they also visited us in Trento, Italy (2010) and Paris (2014).
Our first night together: paella and sangria! Ole!
We had a wonderful 9-hour day-tour together to Avila and Segovia. (I will only post pictures from Avila since I already posted a blog about Segovia a few weeks ago when we visited with our host Jose.)
Avila is best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar.
Crenelated walls in Avila
The Cathedral of Ávila is a Romanesque and Gothic church. It was planned as a cathedral-fortress, its apse being one of the turrets of the city walls.
Outside Avila Cathedral
Nave
Romanesque arch
Gothic ceiling
Tower
Charming street
Pretty courtyard
Market day Plaza Mayor in Avila
For Roman Catholics, a visit to the Convent of St. Theresa is a "must". Theresa was a prominent Spanish mystic, saint, Carmelite nun (yes, named after Mount Carmel in Haifa) and author during the Counter Reformation and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer.
Convent of St. Theresa
Friends of St. Theresa
That Sorolla Museum looks amazing. Beautiful painting; I love his style. The other photos give a wonderful flavour to
ReplyDeleteAvila. Thanks for sharing.