Today we caught the train from Madrid to Toledo which took half an hour! Then we got on the hop on hop off bus and went for a scenic tour. The area Toledo is in is very hilly! We had a nice stop at a view point and then got off the bus at the bridge on the western side of the town.
Toledo used to be the capital of Spain up until the 1500s when Madrid became capital. Three religions coexist here and have throughout time which is really unusual - Islam, Judaism and Christianity. So as a result there are churches and different buildings of all different architectural styles. We had a look at different types of monasteries, mosques and synagogues. It was really interesting comparing the different types!!
We also went to the El Greco museum which for some reason was free today! El Greco moved to Toledo in 1577 and lived there until his death in 1614. He was commissioned to paint a few different churches around Toledo (we went to a couple!) but was then banned from painting any more of these by the king because of his arrogant attitude and some crude paintings apparently! So after this he mainly painted portraits of the rich people of Toledo. The museum was set up to represent what his house in Toledo may have looked like. It opened in 1910. El Greco's work fell out of fashion after his death but became popular again in the early 1900s in the romantic period. I really like his artwork, the thin and pale figures with coloured robes full of shadows and light are really good! Billy liked his work too.
We had a look at the cathedral and the Alcazar, a former fortress and now the military museum. Didn't go in though. Then we sat for a bit in the main square called Plaza Zocodover.
I bought an inlaid gold picture which Toledo is famous for and we tried marzipan as well!
Am typing this early tonight as we are heading off to watch Real Madrid play Rayo Vallecano soon and will be back at the hotel really late. We have to get up at 4.30am to fly to Oporto in Portugal tomorrow - ewwww :(
Love to all,
Claire
Xoxox
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