Nearby Towns and Day Trips

Toledo

Toledo is the capital of the Toledo Province located in the center of Spain. The region is covered on three sides by a gorge cut away by the Tagus River. Toledo has several buildings of moorish architecture including many towers, old gates and massive houses giving it a medieval atmosphere. In the city center is the gothic cathedral. It was completed in the 15th century and has 40 chapels. Also of architectural importance is the church and convent of San Juan de los Reyes. These churches exhibit notable works of art from famous artists including the painter El Greco. Toledo is famous for its steel industry and manufacture of Damascene swords. The military museum located in the Alcazar is also worth visiting.

Alcalá de Henares

Built in the 16th century by Cardinal Jimenez de Cisneros, Alcalá de Henares is said to be the first planned university city in the world. The idea for such a city was later taken to American and Europe. Alcala de Henares is also the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Spain's most famous writer and author of the masterpiece Don Quijote.

El Escorial

El Escorial was constructed by the Escorial Monastery towards the end of the 16th century. Located in Castile on a beautiful site the El Escorial has a different style of architecture emanating mystic beauty. This was once a center of learning and later became a center of the greatest political power of that time.

Chinchón

Chinchón is a picturesque and best-known town within Madrid. Although its so close to the capital city is has retained its own identity without letting urbanization destroy its natural beauty and historical past. With its dark gray landscapes, bunches of houses between winding streets, beautiful hills in the back ground and interesting life and history of the village definitely makes a visit worthwhile.

Cuenca

Cuenca is a medieval town with the main attraction here being the casas colgadas or hanging houses which are houses precariously perched on the edges of cliffs. There are several such houses sitting on gorges and cliffs with beautiful plants and flowers hanging down the balconies making it a beautiful sight. These houses have now been restored and and being used as museums of art, archaeology and religion.

Segovia

Segovia is a small city that has witnessed several cultures through the centuries including Roman, Arabic, Jewish and Christian. The remnants of these cultures can still be seen in the cities plazas, streets, cathedrals and narrow winding streets. The huge aqueducts still stand strong and along with huge mansions and castles remind the city of its Roman past. A trip to segovia is definitely worth your time.

El Valle de los Caidos

El Valle de los Caidos or the Valley of the Fallen is an ancient monastery and burial place. The monastery contains a huge cross and several paintings and sculptures by Juan de Avalos. The site was dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Spanish civil war and serves as a reminder of the pain and suffering of the people at the hands of the dictator, Francisco Franco.

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