Toledo

One of the most famous day trips from Madrid is a visit to Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire. Toledo is a very small city (note map) surrounded by protective, old stone walls and is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its extensive monuments and cultural importance. One of the most striking things about Toledo is that is has several monasteries, a cathedral, synagogues, and a mosque. What has remained of the city represents the presence and coexistence of the three religions far back in Spain's history and is known as La Covivencia. Toledo had a large Muladi population (Muslims of Iberian descent) during its celebrated golden age and its conquest by the Christians served as a symbol of the Chrisitan and Moorish struggles. Much of its Moorish culture was preserved, including libraries and craftwork, most  famously 'la damasquinado'. The name refers to Syria's city of Damasco an it is a type of craft work that works gold into a black iron or steel. I remember admiring "Oro de Toledo" years ago when my mom would buy it for gifts. Naturally, when I realized that I was suddenly in the city that my mom had once mentioned was known for this type of "gold," I immediately bought myself two pairs of earrings.

While I found Toledo to be extremely touristy and condensed into a small space, the day trip (you really only need an afternoon... 4-5 hours is sufficient) is a much appreciated break from the chaos and bustle of Madrid... which after a few months of living in the city becomes something somewhat necessary. Well, I hope you enjoyed the mini history lesson, now for pictures! Oh, and fun fact: El Greco is from Toledo!