The Restored and the Adapted

 We are heading along the A-431 and reach La Estacion, which is where the station for Palma del Rio is. It is right by the Shrine of the Nuestra de Belen.   https://visitapalmadelrio.com/ermita-belen/   Our Lady of Bethlehem has had a shrine here since 1806. When the railway came it was remodeled [1857] and then reworked again in 1954. The sanctuary comprises a chapel, pilgrims hostel, brotherhood’s quarters and gardens. It is currently open from 8am to 1pm and 6pm-10pm.



So, south we go, across the Guadalquivir and into Palma del Rio.  Suddenly we are in a town of 21000 people, with narrowed balconied streets and wide, Twentieth century boulevards.  The place had its highs and lows  In 1507 Luis Fernandez Portocarrero Bocanegra, first count of Palma del Rio, built a palace.  The palace has been much restored. In 1755 the Lisbon earthquake did much damage and it was reduced to being a warehouse and farmer’s dwelling. It was also destroyed during the Civil War.  Apparently Ridley Scott filmed here in 2004 [Kingdom of Heaven].







Into the Bar La Casa de Alma.  It is a morning sort of place, 8am to 1am everyday but Sunday.  4.6 stars from 143 reviews can’t be bad.  A month ago Juanje wrote ‘A great place to eat, good price and good portions ‘  What more do people need to know.




If Alma’s house was good, Cafe Bar Uceda Hermanos must be even better. It gets 4.7 stars from 761 reviews.  https://cafe-bar-uceda-hermanos.localoria.com/    Pollo plancha will set you back nine euros and secreto Iberico 12.50.    A week ago Carmen said ‘Great food at a very good price. Friendly and attentive service. Nice terrace. ‘




Before we leave town let us go to a discount shop. Action Palma del Rio gets a mere 3.9 stars.  Rafalin was five star pleased four months ago.  ‘A wide variety of kitchen items, tableware, car accessories, toys, cleaning supplies, household goods, all at very good prices.’  Elisabet was less so. ‘Action in Palma del Rio is incompetent; they don't honor the posted prices. I told the cashier who charged me that the price wasn't correct, and he didn't offer any solution. They're incompetent. It leaves much to be desired. ‘







That’s it for the day.  Into the campo we plunge.





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