Toledo

Central Spain

Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage as well as its historical co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. This period of religious tolerance (known as “La Convivencia”) continued until 1492 when the Jews were expelled from Spain, followed in 1502 by the expulsion of the Mudejars (Moors).

Toledo also has a history in the production of bladed weapons, which are now popular souvenirs of the city. How popular? Well I purchased one... Letter opener in form of a mini sword... hey Marlon – if you're reading this blog you will know what part of your Christmas present will be next year.  (How confident am I that Marlon does not read my blog? Pretty confident.)  :) ;) :D

The old city is located on a mountaintop with a 150 degree view, surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River.

The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation (Toletum) circa 192 BC. Some Roman ruins still exist. Roman occupation was followed by Visigoth rule, Muslim rule and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in 1085 by the Christians.

Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the middle of the 1500's when the royal court moved to Madrid.

Among other attractions it contains many historical sites, including:

• The Alcázar of Toledo, which now houses the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Library ("Biblioteca Autonómica") and the Museum of the Army ("Museo del Ejército")
• The 13^th century Baroque cathedral (Catedral de Toledo)
• The Zocodover, a central market place
• Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca

Toledo was also home to El Greco for the latter part of his life, and is the subject of some of his most famous paintings, including The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, exhibited in the Church of Santo Tomé. No pictures were allowed of this work, so I guess you will just have to visit Toledo and see it for yourself! (Side note: You won’t regret your visit – either to this church or Toledo or to Spain! Amazing for all.)

For such a wonderful town I didn’t get many - if any - good photos.

Oh well.

It happens.

Even so, check it out (hardly worth clicking on them, but feel free)