Alcázar of Toledo, Spain
An Alcázar is a Moorish castle or fortress. This one, on the highest point of the city of Toledo, has been both a castle and a fortress. A Roman Castle in the third century, a palace for Spanish Kings Charles I and Philip II in the 1540s, and a fortress in the Spanish Civil War of 1936. Now it has been restored after the civil war and is used as a library and a military museum.
Our tour bus brought us to the parking lot. Fortunately, there is an escalator that begins on the other side of the tunnel the visitors are streaming through. The escalator can be seen snaking up the hill to the right. I was impressed by the views from the escalator and snapped a few pictures for you.
We toured through the military museum. The collection of Spanish uniforms and weapons was interesting, but I did not take any photos except for these two through one of the lookout ports in the wall. Those are thick walls. It makes sense that this would be a good fortress even in the 1936 Spanish Civil War.
After the tour of the Alcazar, we took a stroll through the streets of the old town to visit the cathedral.
We did not stop at the bar because we were headed to the cathedral.
How narrow are the streets in the old town?
– Where do you want to go today? –
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alc%C3%A1zar_of_Toledo
Fabulous photos, Doug! You are well travelled. I envy your travelling spirit. I am a bit of a home body.
Lily
I went to Toledo a while ago- to see from where my family originated. The Alcazar was similar to many populating the region. Great photos.
What breathtaking photos and again, it looking at them, gave me a sense of being right there!