Toledo Visited

Only five hours drive from Javea, we set off at 11.00h and headed for Toledo. Our first night was going to be spent in a Moorish castle, built in the 8th century. This medieval castle is perfectly preserved and will take you back in time to the middle ages. This fortress, now the Parador de Alarcon, is located on a ridged back hill, looking down over the fertile plain of the River Jucar.

Toledo Visited

Steeped in history, this medieval castle has seen many sieges and revolts. It was founded by the Muslims in the 8th century and was then captured by King Alfonso VIII in the 12th century. It has been home to the Marquises de Villena and later, the home of writer Don Juan Manuel.

From the battlements, the keep and the main tower “Torre del Homenaje” there is an interesting view of the triple defensive walls. The main defence of the castle was its location. It is perched on the edge of a ravine with the River Jucar providing a natural moat on three sides and the ravine.

The next day we had a 2 hours drive to Toledo, one of the main cities of Spain, attracting around two million visitors per year. It is situation in the Region of Castilla La Mancha. Toledo, former capital of the Spanish Empire and home to a spectacular archaeological heritage, is a great hidden treasure of Spain. With its winding streets of cobblestone and architectural masterpieces, Toledo’s charms are of Spanish legend.

We visited Toledo’s Cathedral, the city’s wonderful centerpiece it is ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. Inside, the cathedral contains important masterpieces including a spectacular baroque high altar and two paintings by El GrecoIt. It is one of the most lavish and gilded churches in all of Spain. Walking around the vast areas of the cathedral was breathtaking, the gold and silver objects are unique to the Toledo Cathedral. It stands on the site of the Great Mosque of Toledo. Built from 1226 to 1493, the long process is reflected in Toledo Cathedral’s variety of styles.

Many historic events have been hosted in the cathedral over the years, including the proclamation of Joanna the Mad and her husband, Philip the Handsome, as heirs to the throne of Spain.

We sampled the local gastronomy in Toledo it is traditionally based on meat, legumbres and vegetable. Lamb, pork, bean stews, manchego cheeses, partridge and marzipan are all characteristic of this province of Spain. Local manchegan wines are also worthy of mention and value for money.