Spain: The Medieval Age of Toledo

Located 45 miles south of Madrid, this small town of narrow winding streets has a population of around 65,000. Toledo, known for its superior steel craftsmanship, has a history rich in a combination of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim medieval life. This interesting combination of religion is due to the numerous changes of power over hundreds of years. Toledo is also the home of the famous painter El Greco.

One of Toledo’s most prominent sights is the Alcazar, a huge, square fortress built by King Carlos I in 1585. It was all but destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, but has since been restored. Another popular attraction is the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, commissioned in 1475 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and built in 1510. Visitors can tour the inside rooms of the monastery, as well as the gardens outside. The most notable sight in Toledo is the cathedral, which began construction in 1226 and was finished 250 years later. The cathedral is the seat of Spain’s highest-ranking archbishop and contains as many as 800 stained glass windows.

For a taste of the medieval, Toledo, Spain may be just what a traveler seeks. With its rich Christian, Jewish, and Muslim history, it offers visitors something out of the ordinary. It is a city filled with legend and a culture that is the pride of the residents of Toledo.