Overview

Toledo is situated at a distance of 70 KM from Madrid in Spain and is a municipality. It is not only the capital of Toledo province but also the capital of Castile-La Mancha autonomous community. In 1986 UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site because it was the former capital of the Spanish empire and cultures of Christians, Jews and Moors coexist in this place. In 2007[update], the city’s population was about 79,000.

History

Toledo has been in existence from the Bronze Age and its importance started growing in the Roman Times. This became an administrative and commercial center in the Roman province – Tarraconensis. After Visigoths took over from Romans, it was the Spanish capital until the arrival of Moors in the 8th century.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 25 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 6 °C in December-January


Art and Culture

Toledo was declared as a National monument by Spain and tourists find it looking like a big museum. Some of the important tourist attractions are as under:
1.Castle of San Servando – is a castle of medieval times and is situated next to the Tagus River. In 1088 it was a monastery and was converted to a fortress in order to protect from Muslim invasion. This was made as a monument in 1874.
2.Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo – is a 13th century Roman Catholic high Gothic cathedral.
3.San Juan de los Reyes monastery – is a 15th century Gothic style monastery.
4.Alcazar fortress – was built in the 16th century and at present it is a museum of the army.
5.Galiana Palace – is a 13th century palace of Mudejar style.
6.Santiago del Arrabal Church – was constructed during the period 1245 to 1248 in Mudejar style on a site where there was a church and a mosque.
7.The Bridge of Saint Martin – was built over the river and has two Gothic style towers.
Cuisine

The cuisine of Toledo is similar to the town’s character and reminds one of the cuisine served in the times of the painter Velazquez. Cattle breeding and hunting has been the mainstay in this town and the recipes have this influence; in addition they also exhibit Moorish influence. Some of these dishes are – stuffed quails served with beans, fried or boiled lamb and potato omelet.


The items that are internationally popular are – Marzipan and Queso Manchego cheese produced from ewe – female sheep.

Business and Economy

Its economy was driven by the metal-working industry where many metallic items – knives, swords, medical devices and razor blades were manufactured. In addition toothpaste, soap, ceramic and glass items also contributed to its economy.

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