In the central part of the country, on the Tahoe River, 72 kilometers from Madrid spreads the ancient capital of Spain, the ancient city of Toledo. Now it is a small town with a population of 78 thousand inhabitants. The city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. The main feature of the city is an incredible mix of styles and features brought by the peoples who inhabited Toledo in different historical times.

History of Toledo

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Toledo’s first fortresses were built by the Celtoiberians hundreds of years before Christ. In 192 BC, the Romans established their outpost of Toletum. Excavations found luxurious Roman villas, their mint and aqueduct. From 418 to 711, Toledo was the capital of the Visigoths and was recognized as the capital of the archbishopric.

Further development of the city is associated with the arrival of the Moors. The city was called Tolaitola. In 1085 Alfonso VI of Castile returned the city to the Christians. Further Toledo becomes the residence of the Castilian kings, and the center of steel and sword production. It was not until 1561 that Philip II chose Madrid as the capital. The archbishopric remained in Toledo.

Toledo is associated with Franco. In July 1936, his supporters took refuge behind the walls of the fortress and defended for 70 days. The fortress was practically destroyed. Based on www.visit-it.ru.

Toledo Sights

The architecture of the historic center of Toledo is medieval buildings and narrow streets. The fortress of Toledo’s Alcaza, which has preserved 8 gates and bridges. The ruins of the Roman amphitheater, The former mosque built at the turn of the first millennium, del Cristo de la Luz.

The stronghold of the clergy is considered the Cathedral of St. Mary, built in the XIII-XV centuries, the Church of Santiago de Arrabal (XII-XIII centuries), the Castle of San Servando, erected in the XIV Church of Santo Tome (1586) and San Ildefonso (XVIII century).

El Greco Museum and its collection of paintings. El Greco lived in Toledo from 1577 until his death in 1614.

The synagogue of Del Transito (14th century) houses the Sephardic Museum. The oldest synagogue in Europe, Santa Maria la Blanca, built in the XII century, is preserved in Toledo. The architecture of the Santa Cruz Hospital Museum, built in the XVI century, is interesting.

The city houses the monasteries of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, founded at different times, 1085, St. Ursula, XIV century. In the late XV — early XVI century, built the monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes. Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches: Santo Tome, 1586, San Ildefonso, XVIII century. The Church of Santiago de Arrabal was rebuilt from a mosque in the XIII century. The church of San Roman, XIII century houses a museum of Visigothic culture.

Toledo is famous for its world-famous marzipan. You can taste national cuisine in numerous cafes and restaurants. In Toledo you can buy souvenirs of black enamel with gold inlay, and quite famous «Blades of Toledo».