Toledo – The Magic of Old World Charm

Toledo’s unique architecture and meandering streets are testimonies of several historical and cultural influences that this old capital of Spain until 1560 had undergone over the centuries.

It truly and rightly deserves to cherish its title as a national monument. Tourists from all walks of life will find the city’s wide range of attractions most enchanting.

Toledo was built in the late 11th century as the royal residence of Carlos I. It went through many demolition and restoration processes, the last upheaval took place during the Spanish Civil War.

This fascinating historical city has something to offer to all visitors whether they are looking for museums housing paintings by great masters, fine restaurants serving ethnic cuisine, a play of golf, fun with the kids, Toledo has it all in abundance.

This World Heritage city offers a bouquet of tourist attractions where visitors will find an intriguing mix of Jewish, Moorish and Christian buildings where these three great religions coexisted amicably. With the exception of Italy, you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world so many places of interest within such a small area.

A one day visit is not enough because there is so much to see in this city of Old World charm. Stay here overnight, walk through the labyrinthine streets and dine in a Castilian restaurant.

Wide range of hotels is available to suit your pocket and taste. Visit many sights in the early morning before the hordes of tourists arrive.

Toledo’s principal landmark is the stunning Cathedral, Spain’s finest Gothic Cathedral built between 1227 and 1493 on the very site that dates back to the Roman times.

It is the same site where the Great Moorish Great Mosque once stood, replacing an earlier Visigothic Church. There are priceless art collections within the Cathedral.

Other important tourist attractions are the Alcazar (Fortress), two Synagogues and the IIglesia de Santo Tome where you can see the 16th century Greek religious painter El Greco’s masterpiece, Twelve Apostles. More of his works can be seen in buildings in different parts of the city.

The attractions of Toledo are so numerous and varied that it wouldn’t be prudent to condense them into a prosaic list to be ticked off once visited. Explore this enchanting city with gay abandon and enjoy the magic of Old World charm.