1.2 Santa Teresa de Jesús

Introduction

Santa Teresa de Jesús, also known as Saint Teresa of Ávila, was a prominent Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer of the Catholic Church. Born in Ávila, Spain in 1515, she became a nun at the age of 20 and went on to found several convents across Spain. Teresa was known for her spiritual writings, particularly her autobiography, "The Life of Teresa of Jesus," which is considered a masterpiece of Spanish literature. She was also a key figure in the Catholic Church's CounterReformation movement and was canonised as a saint by the Church in 1622.

Plaza de la Santa

Plaza de la Santa is a historic square located in the heart of Ávila. It is named after the nearby Convent of Santa Teresa, founded by Saint Teresa of Ávila in the 16th century. The square is surrounded by traditional buildings and is home to several important landmarks, including Iglesia de Santa Teresa de Jesús and Sala de Reliquias de Santa Teresa. One of the main attractions of Plaza de la Santa is the statue of Saint Teresa, which stands in the center of the square.

Museo de Santa Teresa de Jesús

The Museo de Santa Teresa de Jesús showcases her personal belongings, original manuscripts, religious artwork, historical documents, and Carmelite Order artefacts. These items offer insight into St. Teresa's life, spiritual teachings, and the broader religious and cultural context of her time. Visitors can explore her intimate experiences, spiritual journey, and the impact of her teachings on the artistic and cultural landscape of the period.

The Spring

The Church of Santa Teresa harbours a unique natural feature beneath its foundation: a spring that presents an opportunity to incorporate this element into architectural design projects. The spring's water flows underground, eventually joining the River Adaja, which meanders through the picturesque landscape.

The presence of a spring offers a wealth of design possibilities for the project. By harnessing the potential of this water source, there is a chance to create innovative, functional, and sustainable designs that pay homage to the site's historical and cultural significance while fostering a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

1.3 The Festival of Santa Teresa

The Festival of Saint Teresa is a multifaceted event that honours the life and contributions of Teresa of Jesús, celebrating her sainthood, accomplishments, mystical experiences, and literary work. While religious ceremonies are at the heart of this festival, it is also a time for enjoyment and recreation.

Preceding October 15th, the festivities commence with the mayor's pregón (proclamation), typically accompanied by a traditional folk character on the city hall's main balcony. The streets then fill with the gigantes and cabezudos, as well as the tarasca, providing entertainment for children. A floral offering is presented to the image of Saint Teresa in Plaza del Mercado Grande, with representatives from the city's most significant public and private institutions participating. The celebrations persist until the festival culminates on October 15th—Día Grande.

On this day, people from across the province of Ávila, Spain, and even international visitors, flock to the city to partake in the festivities, including members of the Carmelite Order. This vibrant event both venerates Saint Teresa and fosters a sense of community and shared cultural heritage.

Utilising the architectural elements observed along the two procession routes, we can employ these features as tools to analyse and measure the streets of Ávila. By examining these elements in relation to their spatial context, we can gain insights into the city's urban morphology and architectural character. Consequently, this understanding can inform design strategies for future architectural interventions in Ávila.

The Mapping of the Procession

The architectural concept is based on the mapping of the procession routes, which involves overlaying the identified architectural elements onto the paths of the two processions. Important moments in the procession serve as anchors to guide the folding of the procession towards the Plaza de la Santa, its starting point. This process allows for a deliberate and intentional design that takes into account the procession's significance and its relationship with the city's architecture.

Key moments in the procession are identified as the points where the bell tolls, where the parade team takes a break, and where fireworks are ignited. These significant moments serve as important anchors in the mapping of the procession and are used to guide the folding of the route towards the Plaza de la Santa.