Central Spain - More than tapas

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

Oink

This little piggy went to market. The town of Segovia has a very bizarre food tradition.

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 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 cerveza.

Oba Oba club in Madrid

Stairway

Madrid's version of the stair below Sacre Coeur in Paris.

Catedral de la Almudena, Madrid