First, let’s get this out of the way. “Holy Toledo” originated from here! There was a time a few hundred years ago, where Muslims, Catholics and Jews lived peaceably together. Granted, most of the Muslims (Moors), and Jews had been exiled or killed, but those that were left, mostly the upper class businessmen, actually respected each other’s faith traditions and peace was a result. Hence Holy Toledo. Holy and different. There has to be a lesson there somewhere.
Today is devoted to Toledo, pronounced Toe-lay-doe, BTW. Its streets are horse-cart width, so the plan of attack is to park outside and walk in. “Outside”, although it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, the Romans built the first city due to its strategic location. Surrounding on three side by the Tagus River, a natural mote resulted with access only through a well fortified fourth side. After the Romans were the Visigoths, then the Moors. They were soon sent packing by the Catholics. Eventually, the Spanish King realized the church was involved too much with the government, (or was it visa-versa?), and moved the political capital to Madrid. Enough history, here are some great pictures of a great city.
The Cathedral is the fourth largest in the world.
Someone said there is more artwork on this wall then in most museums!
To allow more light into the basilica, they cut “skylights” in the roof, then painted and carved sculptures around them. I have never seen this in any other cathedral. Really 3D, amazing.
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