This was the first time that I was able to leave Madrid the first month that I had been here. I was too sick to leave previously, so I was more than excited. Even the drive was awesome because it was the first time that I had really seen the Spanish terrain outside of the city that wasn't a man-made park. Upon entering Toledo the terrain became rocky hills.
Entering Toledo
View from a neighboring hill of the town
Once a capital city within the Roman Empire, currently Toledo is the capital of the province of Castilla-La Mancha (Don Quijote anyone?) And historically Toledo is a town with great significance. For many hundreds of years Toledo experienced a period of La Conviviencia (the coexistance) when Jews, Muslims and Christians lived together under Arab rule. It was not until around the time of Christopher Columbus at the end of the 15th century that the Spanish Inquisition under Isabel and Ferdinand brought an end to this peaceful existence. At one point on our tour we came upon a traditionally Jewish temple that was built with Arab influence but later converted into a church during the Inquisition. A photo can be seen below:
The Toledo Cathedral is said to be most beautiful in Spain. In a Gothic style, it was built from 1226 until 1493. An interesting characteristic of this cathedral is that red hats will hang from the ceiling signifying that a cardinal is buried in a town directly underneath that location. Also, as most Spanish cathedrals, the choir room is in the center of the cathedral, blocking the view of those in the back. The most important object kept inside is The Great Monstrance of Arfe. "Made of the finest silver and gold and bejeweled with gems, it measures over ten feet tall. The monstrance is famous for being used in the annual feast of Corpus Christiof Toledo. Since 1595, it has been customary to carry the monstrance in the procession of the Corpus Christi, on a float made for this purpose with an adjustable leveling which is mechanically activated. In the procession, political and ecclesiastical dignitaries proceed ahead of the monstrance and behind it the cadets of the Infantry Academy. The monstrance comprises 5,600 different pieces held together by 12,500 bolts and decorated with 260 figurines. Eighteen kilograms of 18 karat gold and 183 kilograms of pure silver were used in its fabrication; it is said to contain the first gold brought by Columbus from the New World."
The cathedral can constantly be seen from the narrow streets
The famous painter, El Greco, lived in Toledo and so some of his work can still be found in the town. Also metal-working has historically been the economic basis of this country. The manufacture of swords goes back to Roman times, and the town has been a steel-working center since around 500 BCE. Another characteristic of Toledo is that small tiles with various images can be found in random locations around the city: in the street, on the walls of buildings, etc.
Like all of Spain, Toledo has La Plaza Mayor for merchants and gatherings which makes for a great place to spend time with friends on a sunny afternoon. Also, the food is traditional Spanish food and so Ronni and I grabbed some Spanish Omlette (Tortilla Espanola) that our host mom makes a lot (though her's is better). I absolutely adore this dish. Its called an omlette, but its basically potatoes mixed with a little bit of eggs. Regardless, its delicious.
Plaza Mayor Tortilla Espanola
May 1st is the largest celebration of the year in Toledo called Romería de la Virgen del Valle. Throughout the morning there is a catholic procession that is supposedly like no other. Also, woman can ring the church bells with the tradition of getting married within the year. For study abroad students the idea of marrying a Spanish man is a common aspiration, so I believe that I should be back. So that my friends can ring the bell that is ;)
Roommates all together in Toledo
I would very much hope to return to Toledo sometime soon. The view in the city of the countryside is astounding, just like in every direction you look the city itself is beautiful. In medieval days, Toledo was situated in a very strategic location in that a river horse-shoes around the city making it essentially a peninsula. On top of this, the city rests on a large hill overlooking the rest of Spain.
Bridge to Toledo
Goodbye Toledo!
Back to the beautiful countryside of Castilla
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