Spotlight: Toledo, Spain

Spotlight: Located along the Tagus River, 72.4 km southwest of Madrid in central Spain, Toledo is one of the most important cities in the history of the Iberian peninsula. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the invading Visigoths made it their capital from 542-725 AD. It is currently the capital of the province of Toledo in the region of Castilla-La Mancha.

Toledo

     Toledo is known as the "City of the Three Cultures" due to is historical ties with Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities within its borders. All three cultures have influenced the development of the city and their influences are still obvious today in the architecture and historical treasures. In 1986, the city of Toledo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its monumental and cultural heritage.

The Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca

     During the Roman era, the city of Toletum was incorporated into the Roman Empire, and the city officials were given Roman citizenship. The Romans built a circus, city walls and a public bath. Over the centuries, many relics of the Roman era have been buried underneath the modern city, but archeologists are busy excavating these sites to bring these treasures back to light.

Archeological dig site

     From ancient times, much of Toledo's economy was built around metal-working. The swordsmiths of Toledo became renowned for their ability to make the highest quality blades in all of Europe. Hence it was chosen as the homeland of the fictional Inigo Montoya in William Goldman's literary masterpiece - The Princess Bride. Today, swords made in Toledo are one of the most popular souvenirs among tourists.

Swords of Toledo

Activities: 

Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo: Toledo's cathedral opened in 1493, combining Baroque and Mudéjar styles common to the region. The altar, a medieval masterpiece (named El Transparente) was created by Narciso Tome. It is several stories high and features fantastic figures of stucco, paintings, bronze castings and several colors of marble.

- Location:  Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 1, 45002 Toledo

- Hours: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm (Mon. - Sat.)

- Cost: 12 euros

- Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Toledo Cathedral

El Transparente

The Alcazar: Built on the highest point in the city, the Alcazar is a stone fortification measuring 60 meters on each side. Originally a Roman palace, it was restored by Charles I, who received Hernan Cortez there following his conquest of the Aztec Empire. More recently, it was the site of an important battle during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930's. After the war, it was restored and converted into the regional library.

- Location: C. de la Union, s/n, 45001 Toledo

- Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)

- Cost: 5 euros

- Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Alcazar de Toledo

Subterranean Tour: One of the most interesting tours we went on was the Subterranean Tour. Although the five sites we visited weren't connected, they each had a unique place in Toledo's rich history: an old jail, Arabian baths, Roman baths, a Jewish home and a well. The hydraulic system that replaced the old Roman aqueduct was so ingenious that only the engineer who built it was capable of repairing it. After he died, it fell into disrepair and people had to revert back to carting water up to the city from the river by burro.

- Various tour groups offer variations of this tour. Prices, locations and schedules will vary based on the vender.

- Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Basement of a Jewish house where the Jews practiced their religion in secret.

Fly Toledo: A purely fun adventure we went on the a zipline across the Tagus River. The zipline is anchored to the city wall on one side and crosses the river to a wooden platform constructed for the purpose of landing. 

- Hours: 11:00 am - 6:30 pm (winter); 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (summer)

- Cost: 12 euros; professional photo - 3 euros

- Limits: single passengers must weigh between 20-120 kg (44-264 lbs.)

- Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fly Toledo zipline

Mirador del Valle: One of the best spots in Toledo is the Mirador del Valle - a lookout spot that offers an awesome view of the city. The Mirador is located on the bank opposite of the city. We took an excellent hike along the river before crossing over to the Mirador shortly before sunset. When the lights lit up the city, the view became magical. Just make sure you have a flashlight for the walk back!

- Location: On the southern banks of the Tagus River across from Old Town.

- Hours: open 24 hours

- Cost: none

- Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mirador del Valle

View of Toledo from Mirador del Valle at twilight

Things you should know: Toledo wasn't built with cars in mind. Travel around the city is best done on foot since it is almost impossible to find parking spaces near where you want to go. It's also the best way to discover the fascinating nooks and crannies of the city.

- If you purchase a sword, the best way to get it home is probably shipping it by boat.

Walking path between buildings

Nearby: Madrid - Spain's capital (72.4 km NE of Toledo); The Royal Palace of Aranjuez (45 km to the east of Toledo); The classical windmills of Consuegra - the land of Don Quijote de La Mancha (63.4 km SE of Toledo), and Talavera de la Reina - a town that dates back to Roman times and is famous for it's ceramic artisanry (79.8 km to the west of Toledo).