Toledo- is a small and surprisingly cozy city!
Toledo- is a small and surprisingly cozy city, the capital of the province of the same name and the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha, and previously the capital of the old spanish kingdom of Castile. Toledo has a very interesting and eventful history. It was conquered by the Romans, besieged by the Visigoths and Moors. Cervantes loved to be here, making this town the residence of the cunning Don Quixote. And for one of the greatest artists of the era of the Spanish Renaissance, El Greco, Toledo became “the new homeland, where after death he achieved eternal life” – here the master created his famous art.
A complex mix of different cultures and religions (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim), generously seasoned with national crafts (steelmaking, ceramics, cheese making, winemaking), is all about Toledo.
Now it is the administrative center of the Castile La Mancha region. The city is built on the banks of the Tagus River and is surrounded by water on all sides. The distance from Madrid is only 70 km, so we recommend combining two popular tourist routes in one trip.
Since the city is included in the UNESCO list, there is no shortage of attractions in Toledo.
There are ancient fortresses and interesting museums, Christian churches and other places of worship.
1) Cathedral of St. Mary, also known as the residence of the archbishop. The heart of the magnificent building is a three-meter tower made of gold and silver. On the walls, you will see paintings by famous artists: Goya, Titian, Rubens.
2) Church of San Roman, which is a museum of Visigoths. Here you will see unique ancient weapons, dishes, items of clothing. At one time, representatives of different faiths prayed at this place. Here was a Roman temple, then a church, a Muslim mosque … Now it is one of the most beautiful churches of Toledo, decorated with frescoes with biblical scenes.
3) St. Martin’s Bridge. This medieval building connects the banks of the Tagus. On both sides are defensive towers. Over its solid history, the bridge has seen many lovers, and many legends go about it. The height is forty meters, which few such structures in Europe boast of. The views of the historical part of the city from the bridge are breathtaking.
4) The 4 most famous are the gates of Bisagra, above which there is a coat of arms in the form of a two-headed eagle. No less famous New Gate. They are in the northern part of the fortress wall between the Alcantara bridge and the gates of Bisagra. In the eastern part are the gates of Puerta del Cambron, the inside of which is decorated with the city coat of arms.
5 ) The Alcantara Bridge, built in the 9th century, was for many years the only ferry across the Tagus. Previously, pilgrims traveled to the city through it. Alcantara was destroyed and erected many times, and in 1920 it was officially recognized as an architectural monument.
6) The Alcantara Bridge, built in the 9th century, was for many years the only ferry across the Tagus. Previously, pilgrims traveled to the city through it. Alcantara was destroyed and erected many times, and in 1920 it was officially recognized as an architectural monument.
7 ) Alcazar fortress, which is visible from anywhere in the city. For many years it was the residence of the Spanish kings and defended the city from enemies. Dear guests were welcomed here, luxurious balls were arranged and life was enjoyed. The Alcazar burned and destroyed several times, but each time it was restored. Now the army museum is located within the walls of the fortress.
When planning a trip, be sure to consider the climate of the southern city. There is little rainfall here even in winter. It is usually warm here at this time of the year, an average temperature ranging from +9 to +12 degrees C. Light frosts are a rare occurrence. Even when a lot of tourists come for New Year and Christmas holidays. January in Toledo, as in other cities in Spain, is a time of sales, and you can easily arrange a pleasant shopping experience.
Those who want to leave a memory about Toledo that can be passed on to their children should invest in one of the city’s business cards: Toledo gold, ceramics or steel.
The largest number of shops and shopping centers are located on Comercio Street. Offerings include unusual bags, dresses, or jewelry locally produced, also local wine’s, the famous Manchego cheese, which Cervantes wrote about, and saffron and marzipan.