Toledo-UNESCO heritage

Denoted a UNESCO heritage site in 1986, Toledo represents a very worthwhile day-trip from Madrid. Arm yourself with a map to avoid getting completely lost!

Location: Europe.Spain

Toledo is in Castilla La Mancha which sits majestically above the the Tagus River. The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation  circa 192BC. The ruins of the Roman circus are still visible just outside the walls of the city. Roman occupation was followed by Visagothic rule, Muslim rule and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in 1085AD. Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid 1500's when the royal court moved to Madrid.

The Mosque of Cristo de la Luz is a former mosque in Toledo, Spain, the only one of the ten once existing in the city which remains largely as it was in the Moorish period.

The Puerta Bab al-Mardum, or Puerta Valmarón, is a city gate of Toledo, Spain. It was built in the 10th century and is probably the oldest gate of the city.

Santiago del Arrabal is built in 1245-48, at the orders of Sancho II, on the site of an older church and a mosque that is known to been used since 1125. Many characteristics of the mosque have remained in the present building which is built in the Mudéjar architectural style

The Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes (English: Monastery of Saint John of the Kings) is a historic monastery in Toledo, Spain.

The Synagogue of El Transito is a historical building in Toledo, Spain, founded by Samuel ha-Levi in 1336.

The Castillo de San Servando  is a medieval castle in Toledo, Spain, next the Tagus River. It was begun as a monastery in 1088.

The next romance cities will be ---HARBIN--- let's go !!

Tunis-Medina vs Ville Nouvelle

Yeah! Tunis is divided into the old city, known as the medina, and the new city, or ville nouvelle in French. 

Location: Africa.Tunis
Tunis is located on the Mediterranean coast but lacking much in the way of beaches, Tunis has been spared the onslaught of package tourism in the resorts to the north and south. 

The Souq in the medina makes for a fascinating stroll. Tiny shops overflowing with stuff.

 Perfume of Little Bottles in Souq market.

Handmade Puppet in Souq market

Bab El Bahr (The large stone-arch "French Gate" at the head of Avenue DeFrance) is a good starting point for the Souk.

Zitouna Mosque is  the largest mosque in Tunis and an important landmark.

Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from Tunis' colonial era, in the neo-Romanesque style.

Clock Tower is of of the landmark in Tunis.

The next romance cities will be ---TOLEDO--- let's go !!