The city of Toledo - is a former capital of the Spain. It was founded in the pre-roman times of the Spanish history but during the Roman era Toledo hadn't played significant role. It was the ordinary city on the expanses of the Roman Empire.
Everything is changed for the city after the fall of the Western Roman Empire when in 534 it has been chosen by Goths as their capital. According to the evidences of the contemporaries of the city it quickly became one of the most developed cities in Europe with a big number of churches and palaces. But in 711 Toledo has been captured by the Moors which conquered almost all territories of the Spain.
For survived Christian kingdoms at the north of the Spain Toledo always was the spiritual capital. They desperately tried to regain control over the city but only in 1085 their attempt was successful.
King Alphonse Sixth, who was commander of the troops, lifted his flag over the citadel of Toledo and after the three years he made the city his capital. As I already said Toledo was capital of Spain until 16th century when King Philip decided to move the capital to the Madrid.
Toledo became one of the richness towns of medieval Spain. It was the cultural, spiritual and scientific center of the country. Also it was adorned by the big number of magnificent palaces. Some historians say that King Philip left the city because it was to lavish for him. He had looked for the ascetic way of living and Toledo definitely was not a such city.
From the observation deck which is located on the highway to the Toledo you can notice that historical center of the city is small. The pass to the main gate of Toledo (The Gate of Sun) lies through the bridge of Alcantara. This ancient bridge has been built by the Romans and still in service. The bridge has two towers which were built later. The closest to the city tower was built in 13 century and another tower originated from the 18 century.
“The Gate of Sun” has been built in the 12 century by the Moors. But in the base there is Roman stonework. Nearby the gate there is castle of San-Servando which was erected by the King Alphonse Sixth to prevent possible attempts of the Moors to regain control over the city.
In Toledo there are a lot of churches. But the main spiritual building – is a famous Cathedral of Toledo. The Cathedral of Toledo was built over the Muslim church. In turn Moors church has been built over the old church of Goths. In 13 century the building was decayed and had stood in the poor condition. Also it was too small for the effuse city and could not hold all prayers.
In 1227 according to the order of the King Fernando the old building has been demolished and new construction began instead. The construction lasted 250 years and today Cathedral of Toledo is the one of most impressive buildings in the city.
After the Cathedral the most important monument in Toledo is an Alcazar which is deeply coherent with the history of the city. Built by the Romans Alcazar then was a Moorish fortress and in 1085 Alphonse Sixth chose it as his residence. Alcazar and Cathedral - are the main sights of the city. Next to them located most important buildings of Toledo. Surrounding quarters have the marks of the Moorish times. They could look plain outside but very lavish inside. Some houses even have gardens and medieval pools with fountains. I think you will have a lot of joy during your stroll on the streets of the city.
Also Toledo is known as the city of El Greco. He was born on Crete, studied arts in Venice but got his fame in Toledo. You can visit a lot of places related with El Greco. For example, home where he lived and worked for a long period. Also in the city’s churches there are a lot of works of El Greco. If you don’t have enough time to explore them all don’t miss small San-Tome Church.
Also I advise you to visit the San-Martin Bridge from which you can make very nice photos of the city. Especially at night, when Toledo covered by millions of lights. So it’s better to stay in Toledo for a few days and explore the city without rush and bustle.
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