Madrid & Salamanca

The Prado is not just the jewel in the crown of Madrid’s art museums; it is also one of the finest collections of western art in the world. The astounding works of the Spanish masters Goya and Velázquez form the essence of the Prado, but the pieces it holds number in the thousands and it displays thousands of dazzling masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age as well as the Italian and Flemish schools.

The contemporary Reina Sofía is a bright and graceful building, which holds Spain’s national 20^th century art collection. With over 22,000 pieces in its collection, the exhibitions here are dynamic and fascinating. Works by Dalí and Miró are a highlight, but it’s Picasso’s Guernica which is the Reina Sofía’s undisputed centrepiece.

The mighty Toledo Cathedral is one of Spain’s grandest, and an interesting example of Spanish Gothic style. The current enormous structure dates back to the 13^th century, but the site was a place of worship for centuries before this. The flamboyant architecture shows Mudéjar and Renaissance influences, and inside its illustrious alterpiece is complemented by the works of El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.

Toledo was immortalised by the Golden Age painter El Greco, and this 16^th century house in the town's Jewish Quarter holds an extensive collection of works by the artist, as well as pieces by his followers. The museum also has a pretty courtyard and garden.

With 11^th century walls, 88 watchtowers, turrets twisting high out of the Castilian plain, and a mountainous backdrop, Ávila truly is a sight to behold. Evoking the romance of Old Spain, this fascinating medieval city harbours stunning churches and mysterious palaces.

Salamanca’s cathedral is in fact two conjoined churches. The Romanesque Old Cathedral dates back to the 12^th century; its interior is exquisitely adorned and features an extravagant alterpiece. The New Cathedral is a Gothic construction with an imposing baroque dome and exceptional ceilings.

Founded in 1218, this ancient centre for learning encompassed the burgeoning intellect of Golden Age Spain during the 15^th and 16^th centuries. A feast for the eyes, this historic institution has an astonishing façade, and inside a magnificent collection of antiquarian books hints at the university’s academic splendours.