Segovia - La Granja

One of the most charming and enchanting places we have found in Spain is Segovia. Its history, of course, is ancient. The Romans left their mark with the aquaduct. Standing by it makes you feel like a mouse or an ant. More about the aquaduct later. Our destination on our first visit was "La Granja'. The best English translation for this is "the farm". But kings did not live on farms as we know them. Felipe IV was French born and bred. Lonesome for Versailles he created a lovely copy in miniature. The rooms are light and airy and trimmed with gold leaf. Many ceilings are murals of Roman mythology. Statuary of Roman gods and heros abound. Photography inside the building was forbidden - so take my word for it.

The gardens and fountains are beautiful. On select days the fountains are "exercised" and the display is breathtaking.  We have yet to witness these but take the word of those who have and from photos we concur.

A true bonus to our visit the La Granja was coming across a demonstration of bobbin lace makers. The women were seated along tables chatting, laughing and pinning the threads into complicated, intricate patterns.

I never tried to count the number of bobbins, nor do I know how they kept them in order to create the delicate designs.

I never saw a piece of lace that indicated the artist was a beginner. This piece is destined to become a fan. It would not create much cool air. It would be for "show" only.

This is truly a "lace doily"

Laces come in a variety of colors and mix of colors.

The different lace "clubs" identified their association by wearing a collarlike shawl. Thimmed, of course, with bobbin lace.  I learned the word for bobbin is Bolillo, which in Mexico is a kind of bread.