After food, visiting several outstanding churches from distinctive time periods was a close second highlight of this trip. One of the benefits of traveling with Sam and Kathy is their ability to pick the best of the best to visit. And once there, to describe the various features that contribute to the uniqueness of these historic places. Here are a few highlights:

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ASUNCION - Briones

This was an unexpected joy to come across on our day of driving through the vineyards of Rioja. Actually one of the "newer" churches we would visit - dating from the 12th century with major additions in the 17th century. We were fortunate to find the church restorer at work and he was happy to take us up to the organ loft.

We were not able to hear the "live" organ, but the restorer played several recordings for us. You can imagine how powerful the horns are. The organ was also recently restored. Although Kathy is a harpsichordist, she also plays the organ and has played on several of Europe's finest organs and was delighted to see this one.

Restoration of gold leaf. This craftsman took us upstairs to the organ loft.

It is unusual to find sizable remnants of the polychrome that used to adorn church walls - especially in this condition.

SANTA MARIA DEL NARANCO AND SAN MIGUEL DE LILLO, near Oviedo

Two pre-romanesque well-preserved structures from the 9th century located in the hills above Oviedo close by each other.

San Miguel de Lillo

Detail of acrobats from the 9th century.

Santa Maria del Naranco.
Originally built as a recreation room for a royal palace that no longer is standing.
Converted to a church in the 12th century.