Toledo is stunningly situated above the Tajo river

In a world gone awry, the medieval hilltop city of Toledo is a reminder of the potential for the world's three big religions to coexist. 

From the Middle Ages onwards, Jews, Christians and Muslims lived here side by side in relative harmony until the Inquisition came and crashed the party in 1492.

Toledo still reflects its Middle Ages melting pot, with Arab-influenced architecture, a cavernous cathedral displaying the works of El Greco, Goya and Velázquez, and the old Jewish quarter with its two remaining synagogues. Toledo was once home to Spain's largest Jewish community and the Museo Sefardi in the 13th century Sinagoga del Transito offers a fascinating insight into this ancient culture.

Toledo is located roughly an hour's drive south of Madrid and is superbly situated above the Tajo river. You could easily kill a day or two here wandering the old city's tangle of narrow streets or browsing the quaint craft shops.