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.
Wow … I was in Spain Dec / Jan this year (still waiting to post my pictures) but had to miss Toledo due to a combination of a bad cold and bad weather. Looks like I missed out! Thanks for sharing!
By: beautifulamnesia on April 11, 2011
at 6:54 am
Toledo is beautiful, you will have to go back.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 6:57 am
Will be putting Toledo on next itinerary, loving the tour, Roz
By: Roz on April 11, 2011
at 7:30 am
Toledo was lovely, I preferred it to Madrid.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 5:00 pm
Love that cathedral…! Great photos Deb.
By: mary D on April 11, 2011
at 8:34 am
Thanks, I wish I could have taken more photos inside. The carved seats in the choir were fabulous.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 5:01 pm
I know this is a strange comment to make but everything looks so tidy and picture perfect!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on April 11, 2011
at 9:59 am
Toledo was a very clean, tidy town.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 5:01 pm
Debra I was going to Italy…but maybe it should be Spain? Stunning architecture.
Roll me in those marzipan goodies please.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on April 11, 2011
at 10:01 am
Go to Italy!!
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 5:02 pm
I had no idea such architecture was in Spain…., I absolutely have to add Spain to the list. What about the hole in the ceiling huh with all those angels… amazing stuff Debra 🙂
By: Anna Johnston on April 11, 2011
at 11:23 am
That is the most amazing thing. There must be a way of getting a better look at it.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 5:03 pm
That is a picture perfect post – what a beautiful place, thank you for the tour. I love the window through which we can see the orange tree. I have a ‘thing’ for windows. Compared with the 250 years to build the cathedral, I don’t feel so bad now about the years we have taken to renovate our house – though I think my resident builder might throw in the trowel if I suggested a few whimsical embellishments around our guttering. – Love the little marzipan makers. I’m even now jostling for the front seat on this tour bus – where to next.
By: Anonymous on April 11, 2011
at 11:23 am
Cordoba is next.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 4:58 pm
Beautiful! Just beautiful! Dull and rainy here today but this post has made that all so ‘yesterday’……your camera ain’t so naughty, it did a great job of (Holy) Toledo. Thank YOU for the ride!
By: Caterina on April 11, 2011
at 12:49 pm
Thank you for following.
By: bagnidilucca on April 11, 2011
at 4:58 pm
I have never been to Spain. After your tour information and photos I will ensure I go sometime.
By: Jenifer on April 11, 2011
at 9:21 pm
There are certainly some interesting things to see in Spain.
By: bagnidilucca on April 12, 2011
at 6:27 am
It’s all beautiful. I particularly love that angel-y hole in the cathedral…good thing your camera is disobedient. And lunch. Mmmmm. Saffron everywhere, I imagine. Love it!
By: The Daily Cure on April 12, 2011
at 7:25 am
Toledo is gorgeous. The cathedral is amazing.
By: bagnidilucca on April 12, 2011
at 2:22 pm
DEBRA. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CITY. WISH I WAS THERE WITH YOU.
By: george miori on April 12, 2011
at 6:27 pm
Toledo is fabulous.
By: bagnidilucca on April 12, 2011
at 8:30 pm
Hey Deb,
Toledo looks fabulous on film! But in my head it’s Robin’s voice (of Batman & Robin) that I hear saying “Holy Toledo!” I keep telling Liam to contact you..though he is in Muncih at present
By: Bronwyn on April 17, 2011
at 5:53 am
So it wasn’t Speedy Gonzales, but Robin. I’d love to hear from Liam. We are here for another month.
By: bagnidilucca on April 17, 2011
at 6:05 am
[…] stayed in Toledo and saw the magnificent cathedral (click here), Cordoba to see the amazing Mezquita (click here) and we just loved Seville (click here) and the […]
By: Driving all over Spain « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on September 12, 2011
at 12:36 pm
[…] here to see more of this incredible building and look in the Spain category to see Madrid, Ainsa, Toledo, Seville, the windmills in La Mancha, Cadiz, Granada and the Alhambra and […]
By: Looking back over 2011 « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 30, 2011
at 5:22 am
Spain-Toledo – how absolutely wondeful. Been there June this year and already booked our apartment for next year. Toledo has to be seen again. Keep looking at my blog and soon you will see our photos of Toledo and Madrid there.
By: anyone4curryandotherthings on August 18, 2012
at 1:54 pm
We loved Toledo….I wasn’t keen on Madrid, but it was 35degrees and I hate to be hot.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 19, 2012
at 5:14 am