Toledo

Toledo is a fortified city built on a hill overlooking the Tagus River and is  one of the most important centres of European medieval history and without a doubt one of the densest monumental cities in the world

An important city in the Middle Ages it was Spain's capital until the 16th century. Nearly all the different stages of Spanish art are represented in Toledo: Moorish-Mudejar-Jewish buildings, such as the Transito and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogues; Gothic structures, such as the splendid cathedral: and Renaissance buildings are all here.

In the 16th century, the city became home to El Greco, and Toledo has many of his paintings, among which is "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz", his masterpiece which you will find in the Mudejar Church of Santo Tome.

A military museum is located in the historic fort on Toledo's highest point. There is a wonderful network of winding streets with many shops selling the famous swords made in the city.

Toledo is one of the luxuries found in Spain. Its privileged location, and the natural turn of the of the Tagus River, beautiful and harmonious buildings in a array of architectural styles. In its medieval past, Toledo appears as one of the cradles of Western culture through its Toledan School of Translators, which in itself is an example of the tolerance and coexistence of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures.

The first one to report about it was Roman author Titus Livius, who describes it as a "small fortified town", and fortification has always been an important parameter in its history, still evident to today's tourist for the monumental walls around, and the "Swords of Toledo" gave to its steel-production world-wide fame.

The first one to report about it was Roman author Titus Livius, who describes it as a "small fortified town", and fortification has always been an important parameter in its history, still evident to today's tourist for the monumental walls around, and the "Swords of Toledo" gave to its steel-production world-wide fame.

Of pre-Roman origin, the city fell to the Romans about 193 BC and was named Toletum. From about AD 534 to 712, Toledo was the capital of the Visigoth kingdom in Spain and a great ecclesiastical centre. After its conquest (712) by the Moors, the city became an important Moorish centre and in the 11th century the capital of a short-lived Moorish kingdom (1035-85). In 1085, after a memorable siege, the city was captured by the forces of Castile and annexed to the Castilian realms, of which it was made the capital (1087-1560, which explains the impressive medieval architecture). From July to September 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, rebel forces in the Alcazar were besieged for 70 days by Loyalist, or Republican, forces.

There are dozens of shops selling local handicrafts in the city itself and surrounding villages. For a quick orientation, head for the Plaza del Solarejo where you'll find the Centre for the Promotion of Handicrafts with exhibits on everything the province produces. If there is one thing everyone knows about Toledo, it's got to be its fame for swords. The swords of Toledo were as prized as the horses of Andalucia across Europe. Damascene (metal inlaid with gold thread) is one of the arts brought from the east, perfected in this city. Head for the villages of Talavera de la Reina and Puente del Arzobispo for ceramics done with distinctive patterns and designs in a technique perfected beyond memory.  If you love embroidery, the town of Lagartera is the place for all kinds of linens. All around the area there are  scores of antique shops, you're bound to take home some history.

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