Walking around

Before taking the train back to Madrid, we decide to walk around the city and take in the scenery...

Catedral de Toledo

No trip to Toledo would be complete without a visit to the city's cathedral, which effectively dominates the skyline symbolizing the city's historical prominence as the heart of Catholic Spain.

The site on which the cathedral has been the center of worship since the earliest days of the Visigothic occupation. During the three centuries of Muslim rule, however, the Visigoths' basilica was converted into a mosque, and in 1085 Alfonso VI vowed that the mosque would be preserved as a place for the city's Muslim population to worship. However, the promise was eventually broken, and the mosque was destroyed.

In its place the cathedral was constructed during the 13th century. It is primarily Gothic in its design, but it also has some mudéjar elements in its interior decoration in addition to influences from the Spanish Renaissance in the various chapels that line the church naves.

Cervantes

After Brian's encounter with the Cruzcampo guy, we stumbled upon the statue of Cervantes in Toledo. Because of the literature geek that I am, I was wicked excited!

Needless to say, we both had our turn posing with the famous sixteenth century novelist, poet, and playwright who wrote what many consider to be the first modern novel, Don Quijote.

Getting friendly with the Cruzcampo guy

After the Sinagoga del Tránsito & Museo Sefardi, we decided to go find lunch. As we were walking around in search of somewhere to get a good almuerzo, Brian stumbled upon this Cruzcampo guy…

As the Spanish would say, Qué poca vergüenza, i.e. no shame.

Another picture to add to the collection of statues that have been sexually violated by Brian.

Haha