Via de la Plata

  After nine days of walking, I reached Merida yesterday. Today I am taking a rest day, one of several I hope to enjoy along "the Way".

Merida has origins in Roman times, if not earlier. There is much evidence of Roman presence still to be seen in relics in the city ( e.g. Roman Bridge, Diana's Temple, Los Milagros aqueduct, Roman theatre, Trajano's Arch).

 

 

The origins of the Via de la Plata are none too definite, but it appears to have been a route, a Roman roadway, between their establishments at Merida in the south and Astorga in the north. To translate Via de la Plata as "the Silver Way" may be something of a mistake as there is no concrete evidence of silver production. The more likely translation derives from the Arab word 'balata' being paved way.

And so, this way, the longest ( and quietest) of all the Spanish Caminos has been a connecting link between the south and the north of Spain for many centuries.

I cannot ascertain too clearly the history of the route as a Christian pilgrimage trail. Certainly the remaining Roman evidence in Merida points to a pagan Rome. Most of Spain also experienced centuries of Muslim domination originating in the south but extending north until the only Christian opposition left was along the extreme north, in the way of the Camino Frances. With the re-conquest of Seville and Cordoba by Ferdinand III in the late Middle Ages the route was again Christianised and has remained so since.

I cannot help but see a connection between the prior changes in spiritual influence on the Camino (Pagan - Christian - Muslim - Christian) and today's mixed bunch of participants. The traditional name for the traveller is peregrino (pilgrim), yet just this week I heard someone declare he was not a pilgrim, he was a walker. I've not yet met anyone who has overtly indicated they are making a walk of faith. Well, I am!

As I make further exploration of this ancient city I will be very aware of the faith aspect, and eager to connect with Christian presence. Yesterday I walked with a clear realisation that Jesus was with me. We had a most wonderful time together. My hope is for this to continue, and to deepen as we walk the Via de la Plata side by side.