Toro travel guide and discussion

Spain, westwards ~ Zamora (region) The church was built in the 12th-13th century. Its combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles makes it particularly attractive. Construction of the collegiate church began in 1160 during the reign of Alfonso VIII, but was not completed until the end of the 13th century. It has three naves with an ornate lantern above the crossing. The north gate is also eye-catching, with a sculpture of the ancient Apocalypse on one of the arches. The West Gate, also known as His Majesty's Gate, has an unusual, richly decorated Gothic porch. The combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles makes the church particularly eye-catching. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castile-León

Spain Westward Journey ~ Zamora (Region) The Royal Church of San Lorenzo is the oldest Romanesque-Mudéjar church in Toro, and it contains some unexpected treasures. The layout is traditional for Romanesque-Mudéjar churches in the Toro region: a nave with a semicircular apse (polygonal on the outside), preceded by a straight-sided presbytery. It has a collar-shaped roof. Double brick arcades with single or double semicircular arches run around the entire perimeter of the church in various combinations. Of the three facades, the south is the most interesting, with six pointed figure-of-splayed arches. The classic lintel and pediment over the doorway are two other traditional elements of the Romanesque-Mudéjar style. Highlights of the interior include the 15th-century Gothic chapel, the altarpiece by Fernando Gállego (c. 1490), and the Late Gothic tombs of Pedro of Castile and Beatriz de Fonseca (late 15th century). #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castile-León

Spain Westward ~ Zamora (Region) The town of Toro is fan-shaped, with the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Santa María Mayor standing in its center. The striking exterior is the colorful west door, called the Porte de Majesty; inside is the famous Flemish painting of the Madonna of Mosca, depicting an exquisite crucifixion and an unusual pregnant Madonna. Next to the Collegiate Church is the Espolón viewpoint, which offers views of the fertile plains known as the Oasis of Castile. The town also has remains of city walls dating back to 910; and the Corredera and Santa Catalina gates from the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable civil buildings include the facade of the Palace of Law, the Town Hall and the palaces of the Counts of Requena, the Marquis of Alcañiz or the Marquis of Castrillo. Among the ecclesiastical buildings, there is the Church of San Lorenzo el Real, in Mudéjar Romanesque style; San Salvador de los Caballeros, which houses a Museum of Religious Art; the Monasteries of San Sebastian, Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara and Santa Sofia. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castile-León