Highlights from Toledo

The medieval walled town of Toledo is so amazing that everywhere you turn you bump into some historic building.  It is also very compact and it's wonderful to put away your tourist map and just wander the streets as you cannot get lost for long.  Here are some more images of our wonderful time in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While we were at the Parador lookout that offers an amazing view of the whole walled city of Toledo

Puenta de la Alacantara (bridge in Arabic) is a Roman arch bridge over the Tajo River which was updated in the 13th century.  During the middle ages merchandise and people were controlled entering Toledo through the gates on this bridge.

The city view of the Puerta de Bisgara Nueva (New Bisgara Gate).  The original gate to the city was built by the Moors but in 1559, to show the power of Spain and it's Emperor, the gate was expanded making it much grander and carrying the Coat of Arms of Emperor Charles V.  

Laundry day on the back deck of our apartment.  

They built narrow streets and overhangs on the top of buildings to stop the sun from getting in which allowed the air to keep cool, helping to keep the buildings cool as the summer months were very hot

Speaking of hot, we like to keep cool ourselves and stopping for a beer and Tappas under an umbrella in a medieval square was a great way to do that

One of many quaint and narrow streets winding there way through old town Toledo

Rita taking a break from one of our extensive walks with some of the medieval wall behind her

Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz was originally a mosque built in 1000.  In 1187, after the Christian conquest, it was changed to a church.  You can see the original Mosque with the three arches on the right and the later edition of the Christian apse on the left.