[Gocamino] New albergue

[Blaroli at aol.com]

Hello you all,
The City of Merida, in the Via de la Plata,  is a historical, cultural and 
architectonic treasure that shouldn't be missed.  It simply takes your breath 
away. It is difficult to believe that there exist Roman theaters in such 
astonishing good shape as the one in Merida, which continues to be used for the 
purposes for which it was built more than two thousand years ago.  Next to the 
theater there is a mini-colisseum that it simply must be seen to be believed... 
and on, and on.
The city was founded by the emperor Augustus as a rest and retirement place 
for his meritorious soldiers  (hence its original name,"Meritas Augusta") and 
no expense was spared by the Emperor to make the life of his soldiers as 
comfortable, in surroundings as  agreeable,  as possible.  The site was probably 
chosen because of the two lush, wide,  rivers, that border it. 
The city has been officially recognized as a "World Heritage Site",  and, 
indeed, it is that, and more.. 
Besides the incredibly well preserved and luxuriously elaborate Roman ruins, 
there are also the remnants of the Moorish construction. It appears that the 
Moors were also enchanted by the place; they built a citadel there and the city 
contains an impressive and renown  Moorish archeological Area.
Merida is, also, the hometown of Santa Eulalia, the young martyr, who was 
burned alive, and who once was also favored by many to be the Patroness of Spain; 
the feast of young Santa Eulalia was celebrated in Santiago with great 
fanfare las week.   The ancient Cathedral of the young Saint, located next to the 
present one, is an archeological marvel, and it, and its surroundings compose 
the famed Merida Archeological Museum.
....Well, the mayor of Merida will officially open tomorrow the new albergue 
sponsored by the Merida Association of Friends of Santiago.  The albergue is 
located in the old "Molino de Pan Caliente'" (Hot bread Mill) building, and 
will be able to accommodate 12 pilgrims. Only pilgrims bearing a properly issued 
pilgrims credential will be able to stay at the albergue, and they will need 
to contribute 3 Euros. While all properly documented pilgrims may seek 
accommodations there, preference will be given to those on foot, followed by those on 
bicycles and, lastly, those riding horses.
The new hospitalero,  Valentin Malpartida, informs that in case that the new 
albergue is full, overflow pilgrims will be directed to the municipal albergue 
which is located, however, in the industrial "poligono" (park) "El Prado".
I think  that this is the seventh albergue open in the Via de la plata 
recently.   I do know that the Friends Association in Seville, which is extremely 
active, as is the one in Granada, is vigorously pursuing a campaign of having 
reachable albergues all throughout the 1,000 kilometers of the Via. I also know 
that the number of pilgrims on the Via has risen dramatically since the 1999 
Holy Year.... And, as far as I am concerned, ..... no wonder!
Big hug!
Rosina