A Day Trip to Toledo

Connected to Madrid by a quick high speed trainride, Toledo is a spectacular city with more churches, synagogues, and monasteries in a smaller area than can be believed. Historic for being the conquered by the Romans, the Moors, Christians and Muslims, as well as being home to a large Jewish population; it was one of the few early examples of cohabitation by all three major religions. Thus, the plethora of grand religious buildings we're left with today.

Set high up on a hill above the train station, the city has an amazing entry across this stone bridge. Never one to take the bus if I can save a few euros, I walked up the hill to Toledo in the sweltering heat.

  

The biggest church in town in "The Cathedral," which dominates the skyline from the highest point on the hill.

Inside, ornate paintings and sculptures filled entire walls up to the domed ceilings.

You could tell the city was built over hundreds over years from the various types of construction used. Above is another church near the Jewish quarter.

Another church, I saw so many I can't really even remember the names (I also went last week so my memory is lagging).

Tired of looking at churches? Here's the view into the courtyard inside a monastery...

And yep, this place was touristy... After a few hours wandering around I ended up picnicking and taking a nap on a bench far from the crowds...

But not everyone was lost with a camera and tourist map... Some locals...

The last four days I have been cycling through the backcountry of Bordeaux, France loaded with camping gear to watch the Tour de France. Updates on that to come soon!