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Of all
the
Spanish
cities
that
we
have
visited,
Toledo
is one
of our
favourites.
Toledo
is
both
the
capital
of the
province
of the
same
name
and
the
capital
of the
region
of
Castilla
La
Mancha.
It is
located
70km
south
of
Madrid
and
although
its a
small
city,
its an
important
political
and
cultural
centre.
The
city
has a
wealth
of
history
and a
wide
array
of
architectural
treasures.
The
city
is
based
on the
banks
of the
Tagus
River
which
you
will
cross
as you
enter
the
city
by
means
of an
impressive
bridge.
You
will
enter
the
city
centre
by
means
of one
of the
huge
stone
gateways. |
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It is
impossible
to
walk
the
streets
without
coming
across
an
important
building
and we
couldn't
possibly
write
about
them
all on
this
one
page.
When
you
arrive
in the
city,
you
will
find
car
parking
a
problem.
Don't
even
think
about
taking
your
car
into
the
historic
centre.
You
should
make
your
way to
the
Cathedral
first,
right
in the
centre
for
this
is
where
you
will
find
the
tourist
office
who
will
give
you a
handful
of
information
and a
street
plan.
The
Cathedral
(left)
is
described
as one
of the
most
extraordinary
in
Spain.
Construction
was
begun
in
1226
but it
took
300
years
to
build.
The
result
is a
mainly
Gothic
style
building
but
showing
a
multitude
of
influences.
Make
sure
that
you
walk
all
the
way
round
and
examine
all
four
sides
as
each
is
very
different.
If you
have
time,
take a
tour
of the
museum
inside
where
you
will
see a
multitude
of
Spain's
most
precious
paintings
and
the
Cathedral
treasure. |
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Opposite
the
Cathedral
is the
Town
Hall
(right),
beneath
which
is the
tourist
office.
The
building
is of
Renaissance
style
with
two
towers
with
Baroque
spires.
Close
by is
the
Convent
of
Santa
Isabel
de los
Reyes,
dating
from
1477,
the
church
is
usually
open
all
year
round
and
contains
two
palaces. |
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Perched
on the
highest
point
of the
city
is the
Alcazar
(left),
a
fortress
that
was
once
the
imperial
residence
and
later
a
military
museum
and
library.
This
is the
location
where
all
the
forts
have
been
built
since
Roman
times.
On the
eastern
side
you
will
see
remains
of the
original
castle.
A
terrace
lookout
offers
wonderful
views
over
the
valley
and
the
river.
The
Servando
Castle
across
the
river
is
also
clearly
visible.
(below) |
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Throughout
the
city
you
will
stumble
across
many
churches,
most
of
which
are
well
preserved
and
quite
unique.
You
will
also
discover
the
El
Greco
House
Museum,
an
elegant
building
dedicated
to the
life
of the
celebrated
painter.
You
will
also
notice
the
city
walls
and
their
various
gateways.
Crossing
the
river
you
will
find
the
Alcantara
Bridge,
of
Roman
construction
but
later
restored
by the
Arabs
and
Christians.
It has
a
Mudejar
tower
and
a10th
century
Moorish
tower. |
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Wherever
you
walk
around
the
edge
of the
city,
you
will
obtain
panoramic
views
and
every
angle
is
different.
Just
outside
the
city
walls
you
can
visit
the
remains
of a
Roman
circus
(below).
In the
garden
area
near
the
Hospital
de
Tavera
you
will
see
what
was
once
one of
the
largest
in the
Roman
Empire
and
closest
to the
Circus
Maximus
in
Rome
which
signifies
the
importance
of
Toledo
in
ancient
times. |
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Toledo
has
its
own
specialities
on
offer
for
the
tourist
and
there
is a
massive
craft
movement
in the
city.
The
city
is
famous
for
the
production
of
marzipan,
often
moulded
into
little
sweets
of
various
shapes
and
sizes.
Pictured
below
is a
selection
in a
small
shop. |
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Summary
-
Toledo
is an
easy
excursion
from
Madrid,
by
coach
or
train.
You
must
explore
the
city
by
foot
and
most
places
of
interest
are
within
easy
walking
distance.
Wear
suitable
footwear
as
most
of the
roads
are
cobbled
and
walking
can be
tedious.
The
city
offers
ample
accommodation
of all
grades
and
there
is a
wide
selection
of
bars
and
restaurants.
The
city
can
become
very
crowded
in the
summer
and
can be
very
cold
in the
winter.
If you
do
take
your
car,
be
careful
where
you
park.
Street
parking
is
controlled
by
meters
and
traffic
wardens
are
keen. |
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Other
local
crafts
include
top
quality
lace
ware
and
Toledo
jewellery.
Pictured
right
is a
selection
of
swords
for
which
Toledo
is
famous.
Shops
on
every
corner
have
hundreds
to
choose
from.
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One of
the
most
famous
names
of
Toledo
is El
Greco
whose
works
are
everywhere.
There
is
also a
museum
dedicated
to the
painter.
The
Casa
Museo
de El
Greco
is
located
in
C/Samuel
Levi,
Tel Nº
925224046.
Eating
out
Toledo
is not
a
popular
place
for
vegetarians;
it is
indeed
serious
hunting
territory,
with
venison,
partridge
and
wild
boar
on
most
menus.
Toledo
does
however
have a
massive
selection
of
restaurants
to
choose
from,
ranging
from
basic
snacks
to
full,
expensive
meals.
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