Fully Occupied in Toledo
Titus Livius, a Roman author, put Toledo on the European map when he wrote about this medieval, fortified town with its grand monuments and famed steel production. Spain’s capital until 1560, Toledo was of Gothic epoch with really splendid medieval architecture and middle ages history. Toledo boasts of some very refined artistry and cuisine. It is near to Madrid.
Sightseeing in Toledo
Toledo is considered one huge museum, being declared Spain’s National Monument, as it has maintained its historical style so intricately. A thorough walk through the city will uncover many treasures for the visitor.
The various Epochs
There are different epochs, such as the Romans, Goths, Moors, and Christians, existing in Toledo. There are synagogues standing with cathedrals from these varied historical periods, which make Toledo famous on the world map as these structures are very well preserved.
Artistically, there are invaluable painting collections of famous artists through the eras.
The La Mancha region contains Paleolithic to Middle Ages history stored in its various monuments in the form of towers, doors, and churches.
Esquivias and Tembleque contain many interesting Roman remains and Renaissance era buildings, such as palaces and churches, with intrinsic art pieces in impressive galleries. There are the majestic and renowned La Mancha windmills and the famous Cervantes figures.
Castle Sights
Toledo has many ancient castles from Guadamur, with the most impressive medieval fortresses in the whole of Spain.
There is a Gothic style castle at Barciense, with a splendid portal at the Colegiata, in the ancient town of Torrijos. A 15th century castle can also be found in Maqueda, over an ancient Arabian fortress with unique Mudejar elements. The ruins of Alcazar are found in the hometown of the famous Don Juan, in manorial Escalona.
Handicraft
Toledo is famous for its ceramics, textile products, and high quality swords. Many of these handicrafts from the 15th century are displayed in the Museum Ruiz de Luna. Puente Del Arzobispo may be a simple medieval town, but it is renowned for its production of ceramics. Oropesa laces and embroideries have graced a Lady’s wardrobe since the medieval times.
Folklore and Fiestas
There are many interesting and traditional festivities celebrated in Toledo, such as the Romería de la Virgen del Valle, a popular pilgrimage festival in May, the Fiesta del Olivo, or Olive Festival, on the last Sunday in April, and the Festival of San Isidr of Talavera, which is held between 15th – 18th May every year. These festivities are accompanied by traditional folk dances and processions.
Toledo Cuisine
Toledo is famous for its traditional recipes due to the long practice of cattle. Quails form some of the delectable dishes, which are served stuffed or with some special beans.
Another favorite meat is lamb, which is either boiled or fried with a potato omelette, known as Tortilla a la Magra.
But Toledo’s cuisine is made internationally famous with Queso Manchego, which is a very old form of cheese made from ewe’s milk, and high quality marzipan, which is locally produced and exported.The region’s wines are of high quality and include D.O.C. La Mancha and Mentrida.