Leslie Livingston 
Santa Maria la Blanca is a small, but oh so sweet, attraction in Toledo. It’s a former synagogue built on Christian land by Muslims, and thus utterly unique. It’s morphed from synagogue to church to tourist sanctuary. Built in 1180, Santa Maria la Blanca is renowned as the oldest standing synagogue in Europe. It’s a … Read more
The Royal Collection Gallery in Madrid opened its doors in July 2023. It was a long-awaited addition to the city’s cultural scene. I was thrilled to finally visit! National Geographic hailed it as a top “cultural attraction” for 2024. It’s a haven for lovers of classic art in a modern setting. Designed by architects Emilio … Read more
Madrid easily stands out as a top destination for art enthusiasts. There are some true heavyweights in the city. The “Golden Triangle of Art” — the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums — is a truly impressive hub for art lovers, with every museum within walking distance. Madrid also boasts innovative museums with modern and … Read more
Holy Toledo, does the city of Toledo have a magnificent cathedral! I was bowled over, and I’ve seen some amazing cathedrals in my day. The cathedral is considered the spiritual heart of Spain. Construction began in 1226 during the reign of King Ferdinand III. The building was commissioned by Archbishop Rodrigo Jimenez de Rada. He … Read more
Planning to spend 2 days in Madrid? You’ve come to the right place! The capital of Spain, Madrid offers up a beguiling combination of history, art, and culture. With this itinerary, you’ll discover everything to see, do, and eat in Madrid as you drift through its stunning outdoor plazas. Madrid is a genteel capital, a … Read more
Toledo is one of Spain’s great historic cities. It’s romantic too, spectacularly sited on a hilltop atop the Tagus River. The river wraps around it like a moat. Toledo boasts incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning vistas. It’s dubbed the “City of Three Cultures” for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. … Read more
Venice is a city with a fascinating history and immense love of art and beauty. So, naturally, it’s home to some outstanding museums. Most of them are housed in former palaces that are simply gorgeous. You get insight into the lives and artistic tastes of centuries worth of wealthy Venetians. Venice is especially strong in … Read more
The Palatine Museum is a niche archaeological museum that documents the history of the Palatine Hill. It’s a small but mighty museum, offering a window into the heart of the ancient city. A place where history and mythology intertwine to tell the story of Rome’s foundation and imperial splendor. I simply love small archaeological museums … Read more
The Palazzo Braschi is a Rome-centric museum that tells the story of the city. It offers a deep dive into Rome’s history, culture, and artistic achievements from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This niche museum is housed in a stunning Neoclassical palace. It was constructed under the direction of architect Cosimo Morelli, who … Read more
Paris was, in essence, created by the Seine. Once upon a time, a string of islands stretched along the river. Today, there are only two — the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis. You should definitely take time to see them both! I always take a stroll there on every visit to Paris. … Read more