Madrid - Day 6 (Excursion to Toledo)

Because we had already heard a lot about the city of Toledo, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we planned the excursion to Toledo at home. After some difficulties at the ticket counters, we were glad that we had already bought the train tickets there before the trip.

After the security check and check-in at the platform, we took a seat in the comfortable train that went directly from Madrid Atocha to Toledo.

We set off on foot to the old town, which was about 15 minutes away. We were happy about the escalators that took us to the high center.

In Toledo, we took a guided tour that gave us a first insight into the history of the former capital.

The tour ended at the cathedral, which we did not visit due to the somewhat overpriced admission. Instead, we explored the old town streets and made our way through the crowds of tourists until we reached the quieter area of the Mosque 'Cristo de la Luz' (Christ of the Light).

In Islamic times, it was a mosque, but it was converted into a church by the Christian conquerors. When entering the city, the king's horse is said to have knelt in front of the mosque. Thus, the procession came to a halt and according to legend, a figure of Christ was discovered in a cavity in the mosque, with a burning candle showing the way. That is why the mosque became a church and today there is a museum there that informs about the architecture of Islam. The audio guide provides very detailed information and is suitable for those interested in very specific explanations of architectural details.

After so much information, we needed some refreshment and found an affordable and good lunch menu at the nearby restaurant 'El Tirador'.

A few steps further, we arrived at the Bisagra City Gate, which we visited along with the park behind it and the former hospital located outside the city walls (now a museum).

We continued up and down through medieval alleyways to the Jewish Quarter. There we visited a museum of Judaism in the former synagogue 'El Tránsito'.

Next door, there was a museum about 'El Greco'. It was established at the beginning of the 20th century and was supposed to inform visitors about his work in the former house of El Greco. However, it is now known that the museum was set up in the wrong house.

Nevertheless, it provides very vivid and varied information about the life and work of the artist. Some paintings can be seen in a contemporarily furnished and reconstructed house, complemented by information about El Greco's life and times.

After a day with many stairs and slopes, we walked back to the train station over the Alcántara Bridge. From there, we had a beautiful view of the landscape surrounding Toledo.

We took the train back to Madrid. Our vacation is coming to an end and we have to say goodbye to Spain tomorrow.