Spain in Love TOLEDO

Toledo Toledo is a city in the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain, about 70 kilometers south of Madrid. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for its historical, artistic and cultural significance. History of Toledo 1. Roman Era: • Toledo was founded during the Roman Era (around the 2nd century BC) as an important fortress city on a hill surrounded by the Tagus River. 2. Visigothic Era: • In the 6th century, Toledo became the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, marking the beginning of an important religious role in the region. 3. Muslim Era: • In the 8th century, the city fell under Muslim rule. It became a center of art, science and culture. 4. Christian Era: • In 1085, King Alfonso VI of Castile recaptured the city from the Muslims. • Toledo became a center of religion and education, especially in the field of translation of ancient texts from Arabic and Greek. 5. Golden Age: • During the Renaissance, Toledo was known as “City of Three Cultures” because of the coexistence of Christians, Jews and Muslims. Toledo Cathedral Full name: Cathedral of St. Mary of Toledo (Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo) Type: Gothic cathedral Year of construction: Construction began in 1226 and was completed in the 15th century History and significance 1. Religious significance: • Toledo Cathedral is the seat of the Primate of Spain, the highest position in the Spanish Catholic Church. • It has been the center of Christianity in Spain since the Middle Ages. 2. Architecture: • The cathedral is built in the Gothic style mixed with Mudéjar art. • The exterior has a tall bell tower. The interior is decorated with beautiful stained glass. 3. Highlights of the cathedral: • El Transparente: A marble sculpture created to allow light to pass through the altar • Capilla Mayor: A small chapel with an altar carved in gold • Treasury: Displays crowns and sacred objects, such as the Monstrance of Arfe, made of gold and silver Toledo today • Toledo is a tourist city known for its art, culture and crafts, such as sword-making and gold inlay • A popular destination for those interested in history and art, especially the work of the famous painter El Greco, who lived here in the 16th century Toledo is a city that reflects the coexistence of cultures and religions in the past, with an architectural heritage that is still beautiful today. #spain #toledo