The use of sacred geometry is more than mere ornamentation in illuminated manuscripts. It composes a purposeful language. Deepen your appreciation and understanding through a journey into the deep symbolism, rhythms & patterns of some of the most beautiful pages, from Coptic to Gothic.  

Our journey together will be held in three parts.

Part One: Experience the contemplative practice of drawing these sacred designs with ruler and compass.

Part Two: Study & visit the enchanting 7th - 10th c.  Visigothic/Mozarabic monastery of San Miguel de Escalada - the origin home of the famous Beatus of Liebana manuscript .  Find elements of the carvings and architecture in these pages which  present deeply vibrant and energetic styles and designs.

Other visits: The 13th century gothic cathedral of León. The Romanesque church & museum of San Isidoro, with opportunities to see the incredible original frescoes of the Pantheon as well as illuminated manuscripts dating back to the 10th c. 

Part Three: Dive even deeper into the designs by painting them using self made shell gold from 24 carat leaf and natural pigments, some of which you will learn how to collect and prepare. 

You will create a beautiful piece to take home with a choice to focus on:

• the copy of a detail of an illumination geometric design that speaks to you,  and/or
• the creation of your own design /art work inspired by all that you experienced in the week.

In the week you will also  join walking pilgrims for chanted vespers in the atmospheric Romanesque church of Rabanal and enjoy amongst fellow pilgrim dinner at a charming local restaurant. Possibilities of a short walk on the Camino to the neighbouring village. 

Join us for an unforgettable week on this ancient pilgrims road. Share with others in a unique setting dedicated to pilgrim hospitality, pilgrimage and its art. Enjoy delicious home cooked  meals and good wine under the pergola shaded by  vine and fruit trees. You will be staying in a heritage site, a village considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. 

Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD) specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the use of geometry in art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfilment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on & embodied practise.

Basia Goodwin (MA)  studied at the Princes School of traditional Arts, specialising in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy. In her creative practice she works with a variety of mediums, ceramics, glass, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ocher earths.   

*Day 0 ~Saturday 16th.     Arrival, Welcome & Gathering

Check-in at Flores del Camino between 4 & 5pm

Bringing the group together - Welcome dinner 7pm

*Day 1 ~  Sunday 17th  

Morning session : Introductions to symbols of pilgrimage & sacred geometry

Afternoon session: sacred geometry with ruler and compass

*Day 2 ~ Monday 18th. 

Morning session: sacred geometry - preparations for our visits

Afternoon session: sacred geometry continued

*Day 3 ~ Tuesday 19th.     

Morning:  visit to the Visigothic monastery of San Miguel de Escalada.  Geometry on site. 

Afternoon: piments

*Day 4 ~ Wednesday 20th.   

Day trip to León with opportunities to visit the 13th c. Gothic cathedral and the 10th century frescos of San Isidoro and see illuminated manuscripts. Exploring colour in illuminated pages. Lunch. Visit to "el escribano" shop.

*Day 5 ~ Thursday 21st.    

Work on design

Free afternoon (eg. walking, visit to astorga cathedral museum etc)

*Day 6 ~ Friday 22nd. 

Work on designs

Evening visit to chanted vespers in Rabanal. Evening meal out in charming restaurant. 

*Day 7 ~  Saturday 23rd.

Work on designs

Optional afternoon walk to the neigbouring village of Santa Catalina to have coffee amongst walking pilgrims. 

Day 8 ~ Sunday 24th.
Departure after breakfast

The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.

... about the retreat centre & our retreats, transport, location, how to get there on our website.

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