The Plaza del Coso is an urban plaza in Peñafiel. Gayle and I wandered in almost by chance as we…read morewere exploring this quaint wine village one evening. A local Tourist Office branch is also located here, which was useful in putting this interesting (but relatively obscure, at least to us) place into perspective. Neither of us have seen anything like it, from the stark sand plaza grounds, to the various and stunning wooden architectural styles surrounding it. The Square is commonly known as "Corro" or "Corro of the Bulls", and has been documented as existing since the Middle Ages. The square is surrounded by 48 buildings, is accessed by two streets, and is very spacious. The balconies of the plaza are lintelled, and were built between the 18th and 19th centuries. The balconies are made from wood, are decorated with arabesque, and have been used since their creation to watch the shows. The "Right To View" or "Derecho de Vistas" are sold separately from the ownership of the buildings themselves. During the year the Plaza serves as a bullring during the Festival of San Roque in August, and provides a place for the Descent of the Angel Festival (Bajada del Ángel), on Resurrection Sunday.

If late Gothic architecture were a person, this cathedral would be her final show. Gothic…read morearchitecture was typical in the 1100 to 1400 but very rare in the 1500s. Completed in the mid-1500s, it's officially the last Gothic cathedral ever built. It's huge and beautiful and fits perfectly in Segovia's vibe.

One of the best surprises from our vacation in Spain, Segovia's Cathedral left us absolutely…read moreawestruck and wondering why this masterpiece of Gothic design doesn't get the attention it so richly deserves. Existing in the shadow of its older and far more celebrated sibling in nearby Toledo, the 250-year-old Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and of Saint Fructus is the cultural and artistic centerpiece of this spectacular city northwest of Madrid, the entirety of which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The interior is breathtaking, with soaring vaults in the 3 naves, gorgeous stained glass windows and a classical marble altarpiece. Don't miss the Chapel of the Concepcion (near the Choir), with the fascinating Tree of Life painting and a wood gate imported from the American colonies in the late 1600s. There's also a wonderful collection of Flemish tapestries in a small museum just off the cloister. But the highlight of our visit was the intimidating but endlessly rewarding climb to the top of the 290' bell tower (ask for tour times when you buy your tickets). The steep, narrow circular staircase is definitely not for the claustrophobic or out-of-shape, but the 190 steps are broken up into 3 segments to provide a couple of much-needed breaks. Not only will you learn about the challenging life of an 18th Century bell-ringer and his family, but you'll also enjoy an unimaginable view of Segovia and its surrounding landscape. A triumph of Spanish Gothic design, the Segovia Cathedral is an underrated marvel and a must for anyone visiting this remarkable city. I can't recommend it highly enough.