Toledo, Spain - A Magical, Medieval Experience
Written: Oct 02 '00 (Updated Oct 02 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Rich in culture, breathtaking views, majestic architecture
Cons: Can be crowded during peak summer season
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| UNovelGirl's Full Review: Toledo |
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
Review Topic: Sights & AttractionsAn incredible experience...and a locale not to be missed if you're traveling to Spain:
Last summer, I had the opportunity to spend three (LONG) weeks touring Spain with a group of high school Spanish students and their teacher -- which was an experience, in and of itself.
Although I'd been to Europe several times before, I'd never visited Spain, and was pleasantly surprised to find it to be one of the most beautiful, culturally-enriched places I'd ever been.
If you're planning a trip to Spain, Toledo is NOT to be missed...something you'll find out almost immediately upon your arrival in the country. Toledo is (by far) one of the most visited "tourist" areas in Spain -- and for good reason (read on).
One of the luxuries in Spain, Toledo stands out dramatically against the blue Castillian sky: a golden city rising above a granite eminence, encircled by a steep ravine filled with the green waters of the Tajo (Tagus) River. The site of the city itself is as spectacularly breathtaking as it is rich in history, architecture, and art. Every corner seems to beckon to you, as if it has a story to be told, and every aspect of the city reflects a brilliant period in Spanish history when the cultures of east and west flourished and fused.
Virtually untouched for centuries, few of today's modern advances have seemed to have any effect on the city. In fact, the Spanish government declared the entire area to be a Historical Monument, preventing any further spread of the modernism today has to offer.
The city itself is surrounded by curtain walls, and consists of a winding maze of alleyways and streets that meander up and down, crisscrossing and revealing historical sites and secret corners at every turn. Flowers bloom, the water of the river below sparkles, church bells can be heard in the distance, and the streets are filled with the aroma of local cuisine (don't leave town without trying the Marzapan, a local specialty).
One of the not to be missed sites of interest is the Alcazar, which houses a military museum and overlooks the city. Beautifully landscaped, the Alcazar not only presents breathtaking views, but also has an incredible, fortress-like architectural style that makes quite an impression. Also a must-see is the Cathedral -- the second largest in all of Spain, which took over 200 years to complete. The amount of stained glass inside and the sheer magnitude of the building and its grandiose interior is something you won't likely forget. The outside of the Cathedral is typical Gothic style, which is quite impressive, however, the inside is even more spectacular and presents a blend of architectural styles. There is also a Monestary that can be visited, two synagogues, and a mosque -- all worth viewing (bring LOTS of film).
Toledo plays host to a number of art museums, with an abundance of work by the famous El Greco, who made his home in Toledo for a period of time. You can even tour his dwellings, including his artist studio. The most notable of museums in the city is located in the old Santa Cruz hospital.
Still evident in the city is its history for steel-making, and you can find a wide variety of sword-making shops lining the streets. Aside from sword-making, the predominant craftmanship in Toledo is the age-old art of making Damascene jewelry -- black steel inlaid with threads of gold, silver, and bronze. The price range of jewelry varies, depending on the quality of metals you choose, however, I picked up several inexpensive gold Damascene bracelets for about $10(US) each, all of which are frequently admired by friends and acquaintances (who insist that I couldn't have paid what I did -- they assumed I'd paid hundreds more, because even in the most affordable Damascene jewelry, the intricate artwork and fine detailing is quite impressive).
Toledo has something to offer everyone. Families will find the trip to be quite educational, as Spanish history abounds. Couples will find the winding narrow streets and the immaculate (and lush) landscaping to be romantic. Adventurers (and everyone else) will stare in awe and amazement at the majestic architecture.
The only thing to keep in mind while planning an excursion to Toledo is that it is also going to be inhabited by other tourists. To avoid crowds, it's best advised to visit the city early in the morning or late afternoon/evening, and to plan (if possible) on spending more than one day adventuring if you're hoping to take in every little nook and cranny.
Enjoy -- and may your travels to Toledo bring you as many wonderful memories as mine did!
Recommended:
Yes
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UNovelGirl
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Location: Florida
Reviews written: 59
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