The Church of San Tomé in Toledo, Spain, was built in the twelfth century over an eleventh century mosque. During the reconquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI, it was customary to build churches on the remains of mosques and synagogues, not only to mark the triumph of Christianity, but also to take advantage of the foundations and materials used in them. Continue reading “Church of “Santo Tomé”, Toledo”
Strolling along the “Gran Via de San Francisco in Madrid”, Spain, we found a garden that invited to be discovered. Today it is known as the San Francisco Gardens or “Antigua Dalieda”. Continue reading “Gardens of San Francisco, the Old “Dalieda” of Madrid”
According to the legend, the image of “Santa María de la Almudena” dates back to the times of James the Elder and his arrival in Spain to preach the “good news”. However, the Madrid cathedral that honors this image is much more recent. Continue reading “Madrid and its Cathedral of Santa María la Real de La Almudena”
Madrid! Madrid! Madrid! It is always a pleasure to be back in Madrid. There is no complete visit to Madrid without strolling through its “Plaza Mayor”. Over time it has been known with various names: “Plaza del Arrabal”, “Plaza de la Constitución”, “Plaza Real” and “Plaza de la República”. However, it has never ceased to be “La Plaza Mayor” in Madrid. Continue reading ““Plaza Mayor”- Madrid”
On the site of the land where the Palace of the Marquis de Villena stood and in the heart of the Jewish Quarter is the “Mirador del Paseo del Transit” Park in Toledo, Spain. This park was opened in 1865. Continue reading ““Mirador del Paseo del Transit” – Toledo”
In the “Parque del Oeste” in Madrid, Spain, there is a spot known as the “Rosaleda” or the Rose Garden. Located on a plain or terrace on the hillside, this garden occupies a space of approximately 32,000 square meters. Continue reading “The Rose Garden – Madrid”
Strolling through Madrid (Spain), cutting through the “Plaza de la Villa” and the “Cisneros” house, we arrive at Sacramento Street to find a very unique garden. Continue reading “A Hidden Garden in Madrid”
Upon exiting the “Santo Tomé” Church, we walk up the “Travesía del Conde” reaching the “Santo Tomé” street and further along we came across the Plaza and Church of “El Salvador”. This spot has been a holy place for various cultures were multiple temples have been built. The Romans, the Visigoths, the Muslims and the Christians. During the reign of “Alfonso VII” (12th century) it becomes a church dedicated to “San Salvador”. Continue reading ““El Salvador” Church – Toledo”
On the banks of the Manzanares River in Madrid one finds a beautiful structure and garden; the Hermitage to Virgin of the Port. The Hermitage is in front of the Campo del Moro and at the foot of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Continue reading “From Lisboa to Madrid – The Virgen of the Harbour”
The Consistorial House or Town Hall that we see today in the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Toledo”, is a work that began in 1575. However, due to various complications, its architects and construction masters delayed its construction. The baroque architect, Teodoro Ardemans finally concludes the works in 1703. Continue reading “Consistorial House of Toledo”