Toledo, Castilla la Mancha

Toledo, Castilla la Mancha - Overview:

Toledo is one of the most important centres of European medieval history. The former capital of Spain is certainly one of the country's architectonical treasures, with magnificent monuments specially from Moorish, Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance periods.

Toledo was also the hometown of the great painter El Greco. Toledo's old urban medieval area remains nearly unchanged, full with museums and religious buidings. The town enjoys UNESCO's World Heritage status due to its rich monumental and multicultural legacy.

Toledo, Castilla la Mancha - History:

The Roman author Titus Livius described it as a 'small fortificated town', and this fortification has always played an important role in its history. Still evident today are the monumental city walls and the 'Swords of Toledo' which brought Toledo world wide fame for its steel-production.

Toledo was the capital of Spain from the Gothic epoch until 1560. Walking through its streets you get a true sense of having stepped back into the Middle-Ages.

Toledo, Castilla la Mancha - Sight-seeing:

Toledo is without a doubt one of the most historically concentrated monumental cities in the world. Nearly all the different stages of Spanish art are represented in Toledo, which has Moorish-Mudejar-Jewish buildings, such as the Transito and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogues; Gothic structures, such as the splendid cathedral: and Renaissance buildings.

In the 16th century, the city became home to the artist El Greco, and Toledo has many of his paintings, among which is The Burial of the Count of Orgaz - a masterpiece housed in the Mudejar Church of Santo Tome. Among Toledo's many museums, of special note is the one located in the old Santa Cruz Hospital.

Toledo, Castilla la Mancha - Gastronomy:

The area's quality cuisine uses locally raised meat and game, fruit, excellent olive oil and saffron - all of which you will find in many of the traditional dishes of this province. Soups are very traditional starters including 'al tomaton', 'de ajo viudo', 'de ajo arriero', 'sopa verde', 'sopa tonta', 'al Senorito', 'sopa castellana', 'gazpacho manchego'. Main course dishes are: 'migas', 'gachas', 'lentejas', 'cocido' (stew), 'pisto', 'bacalao' (cod). Dishes with pork are also typical such as: 'salmorejos', 'cachirulos', 'sangre con cebolla', 'cochinillo', 'tortilla a la magra', etc.

Toledo, Castilla la Mancha - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Castilla la Mancha (including Albacete, Almagro, Ciudad Real, Cuenca and Toledo) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Castilla la Mancha and Central Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeing in Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Toledo; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.

Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.