Toledo, Spain is Definitely NOT Toledo, Ohio

A mission to find some authentic, handmade Spanish ceramics led us to Toledo. Beyond the ceramics we discovered that Toledo is a stunningly picturesque town. Pauley did extensive research on Toledo the night before we left, and we were able to see a lot of impressive sights thanks to his planning. And, Toledo is just an easy, 30 minute train ride from Madrid! 

Here was our first impression of Toledo. The architecture of the train station indicated what the town itself might have in store for us. 

This was our first view of the town. Like a story book. 

People had put locks on this bridge like the famous one in France

Crossing the bridge and entering the gate known as Puerta de Alcantara

And, entering the old town through this arch of Moorish design

Eventually we made it atop part of the city wall

But, we still had all of these stairs to climb to find a place for lunch. Toledo is a city of many, many stairs. 

We were excited to find these gourmet burgers at Mercado San Agustin for only 4 euro each! 

We continued on through the winding, narrow streets of Toledo

We found the Alcazar which is an old fortress that is now home to the library and a museum. 

At the top of the library in the Alcazar we were able to get this view of the city. The prominent spire is part of the cathedral known as Santa Iglesia Catedral Primero de Toledo. 

On our way to the cathedral we spotted its spire between buildings

The cathedral was too big to fit into a photograph

It was immense. 

We appreciated all the detail

The stone bishops were a bit intimidating

More stone-carved, old men

Another side of the cathedral

View of the hillsides from a viewpoint in town

There were three parts of the old town of Toledo: Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. Here Brandon is examining the buildings in the Jewish sector as we scouted out ceramic artisans. 

We made it to the far west side of the city to see the Puente (bridge) de San Martin 

Pauley admiring the bridge and the walled city of Toledo

The view from the bridge was lovely

Birds were nesting on the underside of the bridge

Pauley, the photographer

Some Roman ruins in a city park. Crazy to be so close to something so ancient. 

Hanging out and resting our feet in a random plaza

Pauley playing the part of a king with a Burger King crown

Goofing around 

Watching the sunset before having to catch our train back to Madrid

Look at the setting sun making the buildings glow

Dusky reflections on the river through Toledo

Nearly dark with the city lights beginning to brighten the area

Pauley accomplished his ceramic gift finding goals, and we all had a wonderful day in Toledo. Hopefully you've enjoyed the pictures. Toledo definitely wins as the most beautiful Spanish city I have been to.