TOLEDO, SPAIN -- A MAJESTIC, HISTORICAL CITY.
- By Tomas San Jose
- Published 10/31/2008
- Travel
- Unrated
Tomas San Jose
Previous Nationality: Spain. Attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tn.- Met and married a beautiful Southern Belle in 1952. Still together. Drafted during the Korean War; active duty with 1st Cav.Div. earning my U.S. Citizenship.Have a Memphis born daughter,a great son-in-law and two granddauhters, our pride and joy. Living in a small town just north of Memphis - Retired - we are enjoying the peace, quiet, and good neighbors we are lucky to have.
View all articles by Tomas San Jose
On the banks of the Tajo River, the walls of the city of Toledo - once the capital city of Spain - are a preview to a new visitor, of the centuries of history and heritage they enclosed. Probably is one of the most spectacular cities of the world, its buildings and winding streets add to its charm and beauty.
Located in Castille, a region of central Spain just 42 miles southwest of Madrid, the city has a long tradition of catering to tourists and has an ample selection of hotels and restaurants, as well as the inevitable souvenir shops, that spill onto the streets.- During the 13th century, Toledo became one of the few places in Spain where Moors, Christians and Jews managed to live together and tolerate each other more or less peacefully; and the singular combination of styles and culture which resulted from this period in Toledo's history is one of the city's unique characteristics. Visitors can sill admire the remains of churches, mosques and synagogues built during this time.
The best way to start a visit to Toledo - if you are driving - is to park outside the city's walls by the river and get a map from the Tourist Information Center, just opposite to the Puerta de Bisagra and enter the old city through that majestic stone gate.- It is possible to visit all the main attractions on foot in one day, even though you can't fully appreciate them in such a short time. There are several museums in Toledo; e.g. The Museum of El Greco. The famous Spanish painter lived in that house which today has an impressive exhibition of his paintings as well as other artists.
The souvenir shops, seem to carry the same stock to offer. (For centuries, Toledo has been famous for the steel blades manufactured for knives and swords), walking sticks, models of Don Quijote, copies of El Greco paintings, local wines, liquors
and pieces of lace and embroidered cloths.
There isn't an abundance of "Tapa" bars in Toledo, but there are a few good ones. If you are thinking of a quick tapas meal so you can concentrate on visiting as many sights as possible, try Laudena (in Plaza de La Magdalena), La Abadia (in Nunez de Arce) or La Tabernita (in Santa Fe).
EL ALCAZAR.-
This outstanding castle, one of Toledo's most emblematic monuments, was used as a fortress by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Christians. King Alfonso VI built his residence there, and some of Spain's most prestigious artists and architects contributed in the construction of the Royal Palace. It was destroyed in the 18th century during the war of Succession; reconstructed only to be badly damaged a few years later in a fire, and rebuilt again. The last time the Palace was badly damaged was during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).- General Moscardo was in command of the Alcazar and defended it bravely, under heavy, unrelenting attack. Unshaken, even when his son was captured by the opposing forces. On a telephone conversation,the attackers gave General Moscardo an option: "Surrender the Alcazar, or your son will be executed". After the ultimatum he was allowed to talk to his son, and before saying good bye, told him: "My son, I expect you to die with dignity, like a man". The Alcazar never surrendered, and his son was executed.- The Palace was repaired after the Civil War ended.
CATHEDRAL OF TOLEDO
Founded in the 1st Century by Saint Eugenio, the first bishop of Toledo; it was changed into a Mosque by the Arabs during the Moorish occupation of Spain, and then converted back to a Cathedral by Alfonso VI. In the 13th century it was destroyed and the impressive Gothic buildng which can be seen today, was built on the old Cathedral's foundations.
If you are in Madrid but don't have a car, I would suggest taking one of the many Toledo's Bus Tours offered. It is really worth it.
Located in Castille, a region of central Spain just 42 miles southwest of Madrid, the city has a long tradition of catering to tourists and has an ample selection of hotels and restaurants, as well as the inevitable souvenir shops, that spill onto the streets.- During the 13th century, Toledo became one of the few places in Spain where Moors, Christians and Jews managed to live together and tolerate each other more or less peacefully; and the singular combination of styles and culture which resulted from this period in Toledo's history is one of the city's unique characteristics. Visitors can sill admire the remains of churches, mosques and synagogues built during this time.
The best way to start a visit to Toledo - if you are driving - is to park outside the city's walls by the river and get a map from the Tourist Information Center, just opposite to the Puerta de Bisagra and enter the old city through that majestic stone gate.- It is possible to visit all the main attractions on foot in one day, even though you can't fully appreciate them in such a short time. There are several museums in Toledo; e.g. The Museum of El Greco. The famous Spanish painter lived in that house which today has an impressive exhibition of his paintings as well as other artists.
The souvenir shops, seem to carry the same stock to offer. (For centuries, Toledo has been famous for the steel blades manufactured for knives and swords), walking sticks, models of Don Quijote, copies of El Greco paintings, local wines, liquors
There isn't an abundance of "Tapa" bars in Toledo, but there are a few good ones. If you are thinking of a quick tapas meal so you can concentrate on visiting as many sights as possible, try Laudena (in Plaza de La Magdalena), La Abadia (in Nunez de Arce) or La Tabernita (in Santa Fe).
EL ALCAZAR.-
This outstanding castle, one of Toledo's most emblematic monuments, was used as a fortress by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Christians. King Alfonso VI built his residence there, and some of Spain's most prestigious artists and architects contributed in the construction of the Royal Palace. It was destroyed in the 18th century during the war of Succession; reconstructed only to be badly damaged a few years later in a fire, and rebuilt again. The last time the Palace was badly damaged was during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).- General Moscardo was in command of the Alcazar and defended it bravely, under heavy, unrelenting attack. Unshaken, even when his son was captured by the opposing forces. On a telephone conversation,the attackers gave General Moscardo an option: "Surrender the Alcazar, or your son will be executed". After the ultimatum he was allowed to talk to his son, and before saying good bye, told him: "My son, I expect you to die with dignity, like a man". The Alcazar never surrendered, and his son was executed.- The Palace was repaired after the Civil War ended.
CATHEDRAL OF TOLEDO
Founded in the 1st Century by Saint Eugenio, the first bishop of Toledo; it was changed into a Mosque by the Arabs during the Moorish occupation of Spain, and then converted back to a Cathedral by Alfonso VI. In the 13th century it was destroyed and the impressive Gothic buildng which can be seen today, was built on the old Cathedral's foundations.
If you are in Madrid but don't have a car, I would suggest taking one of the many Toledo's Bus Tours offered. It is really worth it.