Saturday, 30 December 2000

Spain 2001: 02 Toledo - A small fortificated town...

"The strongest people are not hose who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about..."

(Sara, Iwan and Ja in Toledo)

(30 December 2000)

Toledo is one of the most important centers of European medieval history. The fortification has always been an important parameter in its history, still evident to today's tourist for the monumental walls around, and the "Swords of Toledo" gave to its steel-production world-wide fame. It was capital of Spain from the Gothic epoch until 1560, fact that explains its really impressive medieval architecture. Walking through its streets one feels like having stepped back into the Middle-Ages, but in the best sense of it, and perhaps you will search your pockets for a few gold-ducats to buy some of Toledo's fine artisan or just to enjoy of its highly recommendable cuisine.

(The fortified City)

The Alcazar: A fortification has been on this site since Romen times. In 1936 Franco's forces took refuge here and the Alcazar was almost completely destroyed. A museum today, it is a good place to start your visit to Toledo.

(Enough of souvenir shopping)

Modern-day Toledo may be marred by swarms of tourists and caravans of kitsch, but it remains a treasure trove of Spanish culture. The city's numerous churches, synagogues, and mosques share twisting alleyways, emblematic of a time when Spain's three religions coexisted peacefully. Visitors pay monetary Granada is one of the pearls of Spain, most visited by tourists from all the world. The long-time capital of Moorish Andalusia has to offer the most important reminds of this epoch in Spanish history, with the world-famous "Alhambra" at the top of the list.

(Ja and a falling tree)

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