DAY 3: WYD Pilgrims begin their journey in Spain – Avila and Segovia
The Aqueduct of Sergovia built around the first century AD. The Old Town of Segovia and the aqueduct, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
DAY 3: FRIDAY 28 JULY – AVILA & SEGOVIA
The pilgrims began their day with a walking tour of Avila inside the walls. They entered the Convent of Saint Teresa (La Santa), built over the saint’s birthplace and located just inside the South Gate of the old town. Most of the convent remains in the cloister, but the pilgrims viewed the very spot where St Teresa was born. This is now a chapel in the Baroque church. Another highlight was a visit to Avila’s Cathedral, which was started in the 12th century. They then visited the Church of San Juan Bautista, where St Teresa was baptised in 1515, and the school she attended at the Nuestra Senora de la Gracia Monastery.
Segovia Cathedral
The group then travelled by coach to Segovia, between the Eresma and Clamores Rivers. They visit the stunning Segovia Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain and marvelled at the best-conserved aqueduct of the Imperial Roman Empire.
Ávila, Spain.
Outside the walls, Mass was celebrated at a convent adjacent to the Vera Cruz church, where the mortal remains of Saint John of the Cross are buried.