Toledo

We took a day trip by train to Toledo. By bullet train, it is only a half hour trip and well worth it. Toledo has one of the most impressive cathedrals I've seen. It was built between 1226 and 1463. The site where it stands was first a Visigothic cathedral, then a mosque, and then this cathedral. It is a hodge-podge of styles that has many impressive features, but one stands out. About 60 feet up, a sculptor cut a hole in the ceiling that would shed light on a wall  of his alabaster sculptures of biblical scenes at the back of the altar. The detail in the wall is amazing, but even more so are the carvings around the hole in the ceiling.

This is only one of the things that made a trip to Toledo worth at least a day.

Toledo is also known for the place where El Greco painted in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. His paintings were all over -- in the cathedral, in San Tomas, in several museums.

Then there is the mazapan that Toledo makes. It is in every shop and made in every shape. It was especially fun to buy some from one of the convents. The nuns are particularly good at making different versions of this confectionery, which is quite tasty. It is made mostly with almonds and honey. We had more than one piece.

The streets of Toledo were a maze, fun to find our way around. Even a map was of little help at times. It was an interesting challenge to not get lost -- and we didn't. I would never have considered driving in this city and you can see why in these photos.