Toledo is a city close to Madrid in central Spain. It has twice been the capital city of Spain. Once when Spain was ruled by the Visigoths from 567 AD to 711 AD, and then on the occasion of the move of the Spanish court to Madrid between 1085 AD to 1561 AD.
Toledo is regarded as the religious centre of Spain is because of the city's many religious buildings, the top attraction being the magnificent cathedral, which has extensive stained glass windows, wood and stone sculptures and a large collection of paintings. It is also home to a silver and gold monstrance, weighing 180 kilograms (400 pounds), which is used during the festival of Corpus Christi. The festival has been celebrated for 800 years and takes place on the Sunday of the ninth week after Easter Sunday, generally between the end of May and the beginning of June.
Another interesting building which has survived the centuries is El Alcázar, the Alcázar, a fort that was founded almost 1,000 years ago, and played a dramatic part in the Spanish Civil War. Art lovers will want to visit the Museo de Santa Cruz, the Holy Cross Museum, which has an extensive collection of paintings including many by El Greco. There are also many of El Greco’s paintings on view at Casa y Museo de El Greco, where El Greco is reputed to have lived.
There are many souvenir shops selling items for which the area is known. Toledo is famous for damascene work, which is handed down from the ancient Moorish art of interweaving gold on iron or steel, and then firing it so the iron or steel is oxidised and becomes black, leaving the gold in sharp relief. There will be many examples of jewellery and small plates made with this process. Another favourite souvenir choice is Marzipan, which is usually formed into small animals or sweets.
The climate of Toledo is quite mild with summer temperatures averaging 25° C and rarely falling below zero in the winter.
Toledo offers the visitor a chance to see someone of the true and traditional Spain, while still providing all modern comforts and convenience.
