I think it was Speedy Gonzales who said this. If he didn’t, he surely would have if he had been to the Toledo Cathedral.
Toledo Cathedral
The cathedral was begun in 1226 and took over 250 years to build. It is a mix of styles, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Noeclassical. It is difficult to get photos from the outside as it is squished in between buildings.
the front of the Cathedral
hiding in the narrow streets
Photos are not allowed inside, which I think is unfair, I don’t see what harm it could do. The interior is incredible and huge. My favourite bits were the choir with its carved wooden seats decorated with scenes of the Christian Reconquista, and the Transparente. There was not enough light in the Cathedral so a high window was put in later. It is a Baroque masterpiece with tumbling angels, the last supper etc, etc. My camera did something very naughty and took 2 photos – not very good, but it was in a hurry.
the hole in the ceiling
full of angels
The Plaza de Zocodover is the central hub of this gorgeous town. It is full of people and ringed by restaurants. We had our first Spanish paella in the square. It wasn’t bad, but my son, Brandon, does a mighty fine paella.
Plaza de Zocodover
lunch
The narrow winding streets of Toledo are just made for wandering. There are lots of interesting shops, with souvenirs for everyone, fans, castenets, frilly aprons etc. Marzipan is a speciality of the area, so there are many outlets here.
a little marzipan maker
marzipan goodies
We wandered by accident into a private courtyard.
a lovely courtyard
We wandered past pretty churches.
lots of pretty churches
A place we really enjoyed was the San Juan de los Reyes Monasterio which has the prettiest cloistered courtyard I have seen anywhere.
a beautiful courtyard
how lovely!
it smelled of orange blossom
I want one at home
from above
I love the elaborate water spout
another
detail of the church beside the courtyard
The outside of the church was beautiful as well. If you look closely at the next photo, you will see that the fellow on the left has lost a hand. An enterprising pigeon was busy building a nest in the empty space.
an excellent spot for a nest
There is a tiny mosque, Mezquita del Cristo de la Cruz, dating from about 1,000 ad.
inside the mosque
keyhole window
inside the dome
Toledo is a beautiful town everywhere you look.
looking over Toledo
one of the entrances to Toledo
another
Carlos V with a strange white face
the way into Toledo
just what castle walls should look like
We loved Toledo. It is a pity we only had one day when there is so much to see there.