If I have to pick 2 out of the 3 cities to day trip from Madrid, with an emphasis on architecture in particular, which ones would be absolute must sees? I'm trying to pick between El Escorial, Toledo and Segovia. Thanks!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
For your emphasis on architecture, Toledo and Segovia. I've always thought El Escorial relatively plain and severe.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I suppose it depends on what your desires are, architecturally. Toledo is very medieval with a lot of gothic. Segovia has the wonderful castle and Roman aqueduct. El Escorial is severe, but different. The easiest accessed from Madrid would be Toledo and Segovia, both around 45 minutes by train. If it were me, I would do Toledo and El Escorial, just for some variety. Have you considered Seville or Cordoba? Fascinating Islamic/ Mudejar architecture there, and still doable on a day trip using the super fast AVE trains.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Toledo is 1/2 hour by train...I have visited there two times and returning in November. Sevilla is 2 1/2 hours by train. Going there in October. El Escorial - I have been by it, but to be honest, the others hold more. Another good possibiity is Salamanca. About 2 hours. Get the train tickets on www.renfe.com 62 1/2 days before to get a bargain.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Come to think of it, from an architectural point of view, Alcala de Henares might be an alternative. It's just northeast of Madrid, about 40 minutes on one of the cercanias, the regional commuter trains. It's the birthplace of Miguel Cervantes, and it's a World Heritage site. Some of the university buildings date back to the late 15th century, and there are several churches of note. The older residential buildings might also interest you.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
I would pick Segovia and Toledo.
Posted by
South Portland, ME, USA
83 posts
We visited Toledo, Segovia and Avila from Madrid. We like Toledo and especially Segovia.