The Cathedral in Toledo

Our next stop was a quick drive-by of Toledo. Since we hadn't planned on coming and we needed to press on the Segovia, we couldn't spend much time. Basically, we saw just the cathedral. Still, here's a little on Toledo.

Located 45 miles south of Madrid, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extensive cultural and monumental heritage and historical co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. It is lovely to approach, as it sits, surrounded by a wall, on a series of hills. unfortunately, we didn't really stop for any pictures from afar.

Holy Toledo!

Populated since the Bronze Age, the city was named Ṭulayṭulah by its first Jewish inhabitants who settled there in the 5th century BC. The name may be Hebrew for “wandering,” a reference the Jews wandering from Jerusalem. Conquered by the Romans in 193 BC, Toledo became an important Roman colony and the capital of Carpentia. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Toledo served as the capital city of Visigothic Spain until the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century. You can see many influences in its winding streets and architecture ...

It looks ancient

Then Toledo experienced a period known as “La Convivencia” -- the co-existence of Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Gates

Because of its central location in the Iberian Peninsula, Toledo was central in struggles between the Muslim and Christian rulers of northern Spain. After the Reconquista, Toledo continued as a major cultural center.

During the 16th century, it flourished as the capital of Castile. But, the Spanish court was moved, first to Valladolid and then to Madrid, reducing the city's importance until the late 20th century, when it became the capital of Castile-La Mancha. The economic decline of the city helped to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage.

None is more evident than that of The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo (Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo).

More spectacular architecture

It is one of the three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain. 

We were in awe as we walked around

It was begun in 1226 under the rule of Ferdinand III and the last Gothic contributions were made in the 15th century. 

High Gothic

It also combines some characteristics of the Mudéjar style, especially some of the doorways and ceilings. 

Moorish

A beautiful feature is the Baroque altarpiece called El Transparente. Its name refers to the unique illumination provided by a large skylight cut very high up into the thick wall across the ambulatory behind the high altar, and another hole cut into the back of the altarpiece itself to allow shafts of sunlight to strike the tabernacle. 

The ornateness is overwhelming

It was worth the side trip.

Amazing

Toledo has a great tradition in manufacturing swords and knives that goes back to Roman times. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Toledo’s swords and daggers were regarded as the best in Europe. In 1761, declining production prompted the creation of the Royal Arms Factory. In the 20th century, the production for the army was reduced to cavalry weapons and, after the Spanish Civil War, to swords for military officers. The factory was closed in the 1980s, but metalworking continues in the city. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any metalworking -- but I have a beautiful plate Becca brought me years ago from Toledo.

Oh, and Scott did buy a hat!

Trip date: April 25-May 15, 2015