I can only image how this town must be overrun with tourists in high season. With historic buildings, winding streets and the River Tajo running alongside the city walls, the town is full of ancient charm and beauty. The "city of three cultures" was one of the few places where Christians, Jews and Arabs lived together relatively peacefully. Their cultural legacy are reflected throughout Toledo. But there were four major sites that really got my attention in this town:
- The Old City Gates. Bound by walls, access was gained through several gates. The most notable gate is the Bisagra Gate of Muslim origin. It was the main access point that not only included a door to the city, but also a beautiful central courtyard.
- The Marzipan. Comprised of an almond paste, sugar and honey mixture, traditional techniques are used like cooking in wooden dishes. For most consumers, small tins of bite-sized crescent-shaped marzipan is sufficient. But if you are a marzipan fanatic, just ask for the castle pictured below!
- The Swords. The manufacture of swords in Toledo goes back to Roman times and now provides collectors worldwide with weaponry. Here you can buy exact replicas of the swords used by some of Spain's greatest heros like El Cid and the Roman Emperor Charles V.
- The Cathedral. Founded in the 1st century, it was changed into a mosque by the Arabs during the Moorish occupation of Spain. In the 13th century, it was destroyed and the current cathedral was built on the foundation of the old church.
Puerto Cambron
Puente de San Martin
Marzipan Castle
Toledo Swords.
The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo
