Central Spain - More than tapas
Roaming through Madrid, Segovia, Salamanca, Toledo and Avila.
Stone by stone
This magnificent construction was created around 100 AD, being one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts in Europe.
Segovia, Spain
Alcazar
The Alcazar of Segovia is a beautiful 11th century medieval castle located on a hillside, rumored to have inspired Walt Disney to the castle of Snow White.
Segovia, Spain
World in my eyes
Taking a look at the gothic cathedral from 1525.
Segovia, Spain
Across the moat
Front entrance of the Alcazar.
Segovia, Spain
Beneath the arches
Some people claim that the Plaza Mayor of Salamanca is the most beautiful square in Spain, but personally I think that the one in Madrid has superior colors.
Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
Serenity
The chilly cathedral is a great place to escape the summer heat.
The cathedral of Salamanca
For the birds
The view from the top of the cathedral gives a good idea of the city layout.
Salamanca
Reach out and touch faith
The inner balcony is a great place to admire the gothic architecture.
Cathedral of Salamanca
On the balcony
Beware, Quasimodo's nephew could be around.
Cathedral of Salamanca
Thumbs up
The view from the top of the cathedral is officially approved.
Reine climbing the Cathedral of Salamanca
Mi casa
This bird has found a place where it is unlikely to get evicted.
Salamanca
Walled kingdom
The city of Avila is the birthplace of Saint Teresa, but the most imposing feature is the city wall with 88 towers built in 1090.
Avila
Walled kingdom
This is the location where a seven year old Saint Teresa was caught by her father, as she was trying to escape the city to seek martyrdoom in battle against the Moors.
Reine at Los Quatro Postes, Avila
Walled kingdom
The city of Avila is the birthplace of Saint Teresa, but the most imposing feature is the city wall, with 88 towers built in 1090.
Avila
Halls of stone
This cathedral is arguably the greatest example of gothic architecture in Spain. Construction was begun in 1226 and several additions were made for centuries to come.
Cathedral of Toledo
Take your seat
The choir room is my favorite part of the cathedral. Located at the heart of the building, these chairs are individually carved from walnut wood and show scenes from the conquest of Granada.
Cathedral of Toledo
Wicked wires
Toledo
Waving the flag
Plaza de Zocodover, Toledo
Lost in the alleys
Toledo
High ground
The old fortress is located on the highest hill of the city and played a vital part in the civil war.
Alcazar of Toledo
A shadow of the past
Estacion del Norte, Madrid
And a bottle of rum
Cafe Concierto La Fidula, Madrid
Last orders
The normally bustling plaza gets kind of eerie late at night when everything is closed.
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Epicenter
This is Kilometre Zero, the symbol which indicates the center of Spain where all roads start.
Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Bridge of sorrows
This beautiful bridge is unfortunately infamous for its many suicide jumpers.
Madrid
Urban forest
Estación de Atocha is the oldest and largest railway station in Madrid, opened in 1851. A 4000 m2 tropical garden dominates the interior, effectively keeping the mind away from the gruesome train bombings that occurred here in 2004.
Estación de Atocha, Madrid
Siesta hour
Madrid
Looking for Juliet
237 balconies surround the rectangular plaza.
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Sunday afternoon
Every great city needs a large green lung.
Retiro park, Madrid
After the phoenix
This dome is one of the most recognized spots in Madrid, even though the vinged statue replaced the original phoenix statue decades ago when the previous owner of the building decided to take the statue with them while moving out.
Edificio Metropolis, Madrid
Old and new
The architecture of Madrid is a combination of new and old.
Madrid
Insomnia
Busy street outside my bedroom window at 4 AM. The road that never sleeps.
Gran Via, Madrid
Solid directions
The fascinating street numbering in the old town is painted on the walls, often including a small map of the orientation.
Madrid
Spain's most famous duo
"Just one more hug. I looove Sancho!"
"Get her away from him!"Plaza de Espana, Madrid
Carnival underground
Madrid is more than tapas. Here is the Brazilian club Oba Oba, where there is definitely more samba and caipirinha than flamenco and cava.
Oba Oba club in Madrid