A Taxi, a plane, a shuttle bus, two trains and a lot of walking brought us from Santiago to Toledo. Years ago I accompanied an LDSS choir trip to Spain. We passed by this incredible walled city and I knew I had to return. Toledo is known as the "City of the Three Cultures" for the influences of Christians, Muslims, and Jews throughout its long history. I wish this meant they lived in peace and cooperation, but unfortunately, it was a continuous struggle for power. Ownership of churches, mosques and synagogue properties flipped back and forth among the faiths. This has created some unique architecture and some unlikely names for places of worship. The Toledo cathedral is built upon a Muslim mosque and you can see the influence in its design. And names? In Canada, we could hardly imagine a mosque called Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz (the light of Christ).
Toledo is very touristy. On every corner, you can purchase replica armour, chalices and swords. But, the city is about more than conflict. It is the epicentre of the art of Doménikos Theotokópoulos born in Greece in 1541. When he moved to Spain DT’s name was a mouthful for the average Spaniard. They nicknamed him El Greco (the Greek) and it stuck. His paintings are dark with faces and hands usually elongated and Ray and I both love them. El Greco’s best-known work, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, was painted for the church of Santo Tomé in Toledo. We scurried over there before tourist buses arrived and had our viewing almost to ourselves. When seeing the Mona Lisa in Paris people are often disappointed with how small it is. This painting does not disappoint. It is a massive 4.8 m x 3.6 m. and very detailed. El Greco even inserted his son as the young boy pointing. What interesting details do you notice? Our hotel had a rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral. We are going to miss the terrace and Toledo. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
12 Comments
ZRW7
5/18/2023 07:08:27 am
How long were you there for?
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Diane
5/19/2023 12:58:16 pm
We were almost three days In Toledo.
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Hailey W7
5/18/2023 07:20:52 am
Were you able to see the Mona Lisa?
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Diane
5/19/2023 12:59:44 pm
We loved in Paris for a month a couple of years back. I went to the Louvre 17 times so the Mona Lisa and I became good friends😄
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Makayla and Alexis
5/18/2023 07:22:30 am
How are you going to get back
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Diane
5/19/2023 01:00:41 pm
Plane from the Azores to TO
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Mvnpw
5/18/2023 07:22:32 am
Have you guys ate anything new or cool
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Diane
5/19/2023 01:02:18 pm
This isn’t earth shattering, but I’ve fallen in love with these sweet El bliss muffin things they serve every morning. Apparently they are an Azores thing Bolos Lêvedos
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Molly,, Kelsey
5/18/2023 07:33:23 am
In the painting we noticed there are lots of small details and crowds of people. . The picture with the buildings is very nice.
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Diane
5/19/2023 01:04:46 pm
One of the faces is a self portrait of el Greco….can you figure out which one.?
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NPWS7JM
5/18/2023 07:33:54 am
What’s been your favourite part of this trip
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Diane
5/19/2023 01:06:25 pm
We are really have a great time and it is hard to compare because we have done so many different things. I swam with dolphins in the Atlantic this morning…more to come on that…it was amazing.
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