Reformation Exile

 Why are we here? Some say the Gods took a handful of dirt, blew life into it and created bags of water with anxiety.  Some blame physics for seeing order coming out of the primaeval chaos and others want a word with economists for creating the chaos in the first place.  In a more precise and accurate sense we are Mondonedo because of a 1990s DK guide to Spain. It became a bog book  - to be flipped through in moments of solo cogitation.  In it was a passing mention to Mondonedo and more importantly, the Nuestra Señora la Inglesa.  This altar piece was originally in St Paul’s cathedral. It was somehow rescued from the that place when the Reformation was setting about cleansing the temples of the worthy of such gaudy distractions.  It is rather fun.



The thing about Mondonedo is that you just seem to keeping going down and down.  We parked by a decaying park and winded our way through narrow and narrowing streets.  At the very bottom is the cathedral. It is a solid looking thing which looks rather confused about all the other buildings around it.  It is nicknamed the ‘Kneeling Cathedral’ for its perfect proportions and low height. The thing was begun in 1219 and much was achieved by 1246.  More was added later, including a 14th century 5 metre rose window. It has a museum dedicated to Sacred Art and I urge you to go at once.



Just beyond the art is the Centro de Interpretación da Imprenta en Mondoñedo Jesús Díaz López.  This printing museum commemorates the first book to be made in the city, in 1495 - the Brief Form of Confession by Alonso de Madrigal, el Tostao, bishop of Ávila.    https://cadernodeantonioreigosa.eu/2019/09/memoria-da-imprenta-en-mondonedo/   Three people have reviewed the place. J Sor reckoned ‘A place to visit and learn.

It doesn't take long to see it and it's curious. With old machinery.’  PCV’s review could probably be a template for museums across Spain ‘It was supposed to be open at the time you went, but it was closed without any type of notice on the door. The schedule at the entrance indicated that it was last month. A shame.’



Near the cathedral is the Pandaria Bouso.  Three months ago Jose Manuel wrote ‘It is an office of bread and derivatives.’   Three years ago Pacollu added ‘Spectacular cabbage bread’.  Let’s move on.



We will leave the town and move onwards.






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