Beautiful Toledo was the capital from 542 to 725 AD of the Visigothic kingdom which followed the fall of the Roman Empire. Today it is a vibrant, bustling city full of beautiful architecture and colourful shops. The city retains plenty of evidence of its long and chequered history, having lived under Roman, Visgoth, Moorish andContinue reading “Toledo tour”
Category Archives: Spain
Vistoso Toledo
One of the most pleasantly surprising places we visited from Madrid was the gorgeous city of Toledo. Located on the banks of the Tagus Toledo is known as the “Imperial City” because it was the main venue of the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in Spain. It is also known as the “CityContinue reading “Vistoso Toledo”
Food glorious food
One of the top foodie hotspots in Madrid is, rather surprisingly a massive food court on top of a department store. The El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience overlooks Plaza Callao and has incredible views of downtown Madrid. This cornucopia of edible delights is free to visit and features a wide range of traditional Spanish foodsContinue reading “Food glorious food”
Painted wonders
A quick brain dump of some of the painted delights that adorn the roller shutters and walls of Madrid. This particular collection are advertising a local garage and feature a range of cars. There is also a vegetarian restaurant showcasing its veggy delights via the medium of paint.
More Madrid
We wave off the architectural delights of Segovia with a HUGE cream bun and head back to the colourful streets of Madrid. Around the Malasaña district where we’re staying there’s endless odd artworks to be found. I enjoy a potter past this rather odd mural featuring, of all things, an apple core and a ratherContinue reading “More Madrid”
Stunning Segovia
We’re taking the train from Madrid to the amazing town of Segovia. And when you arrive it is not hard to see what it is famous for! The centre of this pretty, Baverarianesque town is dominated by an incredible feat of Roman engineering. This amazing aqueduct is is one of the best-preserved elevated Roman aqueductsContinue reading “Stunning Segovia”
Madrid madness
Another quick romp through some of the colourful street scenes of Madrid. From traditional tiles and window boxes to more modern expressions of creativity. Moulin Rouge style ladies to a rather disturbing cat portrait! There’s a plethora of art on hand to entertain, perplex or deconstruct.
Colour splash
The streets of Madrid are literally awash with a myriad of colourful artworks, from abstract splashes of rainbow hues to detailed murals. Every wall, window and wall is an open air gallery just begging to be snapped. Metal roller shutters that act as security for shops also double as gallery fronts, sometimes sanctioned, sometimes not!Continue reading “Colour splash”
Back Atocha!
Madrid’s Atocha train station has a verdant surprise awaiting the unsuspecting traveller with a lovely tropical garden inhabiting what was once a train shed that opened in 1892. It had its tracks removed in 1992 and is now a lush garden complete with a rehomed turtle pool (minus its inhabitants who were relocated in 2018Continue reading “Back Atocha!”
Books, beautiful books.
As we leave Retiro park I stumble upon this bibliophile’s dream! Open air book stalls in weathered little cabins . . . . You can find this cornucopia of the written word on a small pedestrian street known as the Cuesta de Moyano. Running down from El Retiro Park to the Glorieta de Carlos VContinue reading “Books, beautiful books.”