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by Rick Steves, April 22, 2025 | Toledo, which can be enjoyed as a day trip from Madrid, offers most stunning (and Gothic) cathedrals in Spain, plus plenty of El Greco art.

Ávila Image Credit: Shutterstock. Ávila is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain, making for a peaceful and history-rich day trip from Madrid.

They also mention you cannot take photos in the Royal Chapel. Hours The cathedral is open from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Sundays.

The cathedral’s sacristy is a mini-Prado, with masterpieces by the likes of Francisco de Goya, Titian, Diego Velázquez, Caravaggio, and Giovanni Bellini, not to mention 19 El Grecos.

Ávila Image Credit: Shutterstock. Ávila is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain, making for a peaceful and history-rich day trip from Madrid.