The jaw-dropping beauty of Toledo was way beyond my imagination. Before the day I headed to Toledo, I hadn’t heard of it ever. Once again, please pardon my ignorance.
However, my ignorance was indeed a blessing in disguise which gave me the opportunity to savour the shocking beauty of Toledo unprepared.
Manuel Becerra Metro Station
I took a train in this station which was about a 3-minute from the hotel I stayed.
Madrid – Atocha Railway Station
It is one of the major railway stations in Madrid at which I took a train bound for Toledo. The journey time was about one hour.
Toledo Railway Station
The train journey was comfy and quick, and the time past way quicker than usual when I couldn’t take my eyes off the magnificent view of the countryside.
I was just so thrilled to see the astoundingly blue sky and the tiny yet pretty railway station of Toledo when I got off the train.
Alcantara Bridge
I was literally fully captivated by the transcendent beauty in front of me. I was so touched that I’d even gotten goosebumps.
The Alcantara Bridge spanning Tagus River connects the beautiful Medieval town built on the hill with Toledo Railway Station.
Near Alcantara Descent (Bajada Alcantara)
As soon as I’d crossed the Alcantara Bridge, I climbed up the flights of stairs which led me to the town centre.
I walked along the narrow alleyways as though I was traveling back in time.
And I couldn’t believe my eyes when I overlooked the city down the hill. “How can the sky be so blue and clear!” For a tourist coming from East Asia living in the subtropical climate region, I had literally no chance to see this kind of beauty by my naked eyes in my place of origin.
Zocodover Plaza (Plaza de Zocodover)
It’s a public square and the town centre cramped with tourists including me.
Alcázar de Toledo
The most notable architecture on the peak. Absolutely it’s a beauty but the picturesque nature comprising the rocky terrain, the shrubbery vegetation, the emerald green river and the blue bright sky was just too beautiful to be true.
I was so touched by and nothing short of thankful that I had the opportunity to experience this transcendent moment.
Toledo Medieval Town
It’s one of the most beautiful and atmospheric mazes that I’ve been through in my whole life. And it’s way much more than fun than fear to get lost in it.
The medieval town is literally a maze of narrow, undulating alleyways. The alleyways were narrow but extremely clean and tidy. And I was greeted by amiable surprises as I turned every corner. I would see a magnificent church, a tranquil sitting out area, a lonesome alley, an inviting store, etc.
Toledo Cathedral (Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo)
I still remember being completely captivated by the Portal of the Lions that I gazed at it in awe and amazement for a long time.
Looking at it, I’d become totally speechless but just kept saying in my heart, ‘Wow…wow… so beautiful, so beautiful…’
Later on, I checked it out in Wikipedia and found a long and detailed explanation and description about it. I must admit that I’m just too ignorant and uneducated to get it but I’m absolutely fine to be humbled by its beauty and intricacy.
Your beauty is beyond compare! It was a great privilege to see you by my naked eyes.
San Martin’s Bridge
I decided to go back to the Toledo station by the riverside walking trail instead of through the town again. On the way down to the river, I saw the San Martin’s Bridge. Another beauty worth some shots!
Riverside Walking Trail
The walking trail is built along the river Tagus right under the medieval town of Toledo. It consists of concrete and gravel paths. I saw people jogging, walking dogs, fishing. The environment was as harmonious as it can be.
Interestingly enough, other than its spectacular scenery and the peaceful vibes, what has impressed me most is the smell of the river. It smelled totally different from those in the city I live and every other river I’ve ever visited. It smelled much cleaner and fresher. It’s like the water was mixed with bleach but in a good way.
Does it have anything to do with the mineral composition of the water?
Ronda de Juanelo
I kept immersing myself in these once-in-a-lifetime spectacular views.
Hospital Rise (Subida del Hospital)
Before getting back to the Toledo station, I climbed up a small hill where the Hospital Provincial De Toledo was located.
From it, I could overlook the other side of the town of Toledo. Looking at such once-in-a-lifetime spectacular view, I was nothing if not touched. And I was so thankful that the yesterday me decided to come to Toledo where I had ever heard of before that day.
I was in the middle of nowhere and all by myself, aka lonely, but I was really very happy and satisfied. The trip involved lots of money, fear and uncertainty but at that particular moment, it was worth it!
Toledo Railway Station
Before getting on the train back to Madrid, I had the opportunity to once again immerse myself in the subtle beauty of the Toledo station which has already been one of the most beautiful and memorable railway stations that I’ve ever visited.
According to Wikipedia, the original Toledo station was rebuilt and the existing one was open in 1919 and 1920. It was designed to echo the historic architecture of the city which I think the designer really nailed it! The station has been declared a property of Cultural Interest and as a monument.
Madrid Atocha Railway Station
The train was like a time machine taking me from the medieval period back to the modern world.
I could not see the beauty of Atocha station very much from within but otherwise from the outside. The northwest part of station looked spectacular with the large glass dome and the orange red facade.
It was ranked one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world because its greenhouse-like concourse filled with exotic trees and plants. I have to say that I don’t buy into the idea that it’s one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. It seemed to me that the station hadn’t undergone any major renovation for at least a decade so the facilities are a little bit dated and shabby. And the station was poorly-lit which made it look even older. However, I am really grateful that I could take a good rest and have some snacks in that greenhouse-like concourse.
El Retiro Park
Instead of taking metro or any forms of transportation, I decided to go back to the hotel on foot. And I passed through the southern part of one of the major parks in Madrid, the El Retiro Park.
My Travel Journal TWO 