Take a stroll through the medieval old town – the thousand-year-old capital of Toledo

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Mo Fei
 
Toledo (Spanish: TOLEDO) is an autonomous community in central Spain, located about 70 kilometers southwest of Madrid. It dates back to Roman times and was once the capital of post-Spanish kingdoms. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its well-preserved religious architecture.

Located at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, the city has been under the rule of the Romans and the Moors throughout history. It was also a strategic battleground during the Spanish Reconquista against the Moors. Additionally, it once had a thriving Jewish community, making this ancient capital a unique blend of Islamic, Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Spanish cultural landscapes.

Toledo is surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River. The entire city is built on a granite hill, giving it a naturally strategic and defensible position. The high humidity and large day-night temperature differences often cause fog in the early morning and evening, adding to the mystery of the ancient city and revealing another side of Toledo’s charm.

Apart from restaurants and souvenir shops, Toledo also has many stores selling weapons, ranging from medieval swords to full sets of soldier armor. This is because Toledo was historically famous for its arms manufacturing, which has led to today’s souvenir shops featuring such armaments.

If the weather is good, consider taking the small train offered in Toledo. The ride lasts about 45 to 50 minutes and includes an audio guide that explains the layout and history of the ancient city.