Toledo

This morning, Andrew went for a run while Dani and I got dressed and packed up. We put our luggage in the car before going out. There was a lovely breakfast buffet at the hotel, so we had a nice breakfast and then walked to where we would meet our tour guide for today. I was wrong about the building across from the hotel. It was the Mosque-Cathedral wall facing our window. More on that building later.
We went on a 2 1/2 hour tour of Cordoba and learned a great deal of Spanish history. It has been controlled by visigoths, Muslims, Christians at various times, and there was also for some years a Jewish population. We saw a small synagogue that later became a church after Jews were driven out of Spain. It is amazing that we are standing in buildings that are 700-1500 years old, not reproductions, the actual buildings from as early as the 8th century.
The highlight of the tour was the most crazy, unusual historic place I have ever seen. The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba has been alternating as a Christian church and then a Muslim Mosque since mid 6th century. The architecture changes with each time period, as another addition is built onto the original. There are two cathedrals and 60 some little side chapels, as well as Mosque areas that could hold up to 30,000 men for prayers. There is Muslim architecture with so many beautiful arches and tile works, and finally, Gothic cathedrals with Renassance art, a pipe organ from the 15th century, and so much art. And an orange grove courtyard. And a bell tower that was built over a minaret. And the cathedrals were fully surrounded by the Mosque. Mass has been held daily in the main Cathedral since 1236! It was all so amazing!
It was nearly 3pm by the time the tour was finished, so we needed some lunch. Andrew found a Moroccan tea room, where we had Chai tea and lentil soup. And it had a great atmosphere. We sat on a couch filled with blue cushions. And while we were eating, the forecasted rain began to fall. Some very heavy rain. So we took our time and let the rain ease up a bit before walking back in lighter rain to the hotel to get the car and get on the road.
It was a 3 1/2 hr drive to Toledo. Pretty scenery and through forests, mountains, clouds and olive groves, in that order. The rain was light for most of the trip and had stopped by the time we reached our destination. Since it was nearly 9pm by the time we checked in to the hotel, we decided to do the fast option for supper. Burger King was next door to the hotel and it made our decision easy. I will do a second post of pictures as it is hard to choose only 10 from today. Sightseeing tomorrow.Read more