Toledo

One of the bridges that gives access to Toledo

Finally. Finally, I get my act together in order to showcase our trip to Toledo with the Tellez Family. So, this trip actually happend in the beginning of November, but I let time slip by and only now am I formatting the pictures and uploading them to the blog. Nevertheless, I think it was worth the wait, because Toledo is an outstanding little place.

A view of Toledo from the Zocotrain

Located 30 minutes by train outside of Madrid, Toledo is a city trapped in time. In the15th-16th centuries it was arguably the most important city in Spain, and one of the most important in Europe. It is flanked on three sides by a river and it sits atop a little hill, which made it an ideal fortress city. When we arrived we were immediately struck by these stone walls around the city, magnificently built and withstanding the test of time. It is quintessentially Spain: it is exactly what you expect to see when you travel to Spain.

Aboard the Zocotrain with Katie and Sherri

One of the first things we did when we met up with Juan, Katie, Tina and Sherri was to take a little tourist train ride "Zocotrain" through and around Toledo. From there we met up with a great tour guide who gave us really interesting tidbits.

The town is known for its swords and superior craftsmen. This was made patent by the numerous shops devoted to this. The whole place is so beautiful, so picturesque, clean little cobblestone streets that transport you 500 years back.

The beautiful little strees, the Cathedral in the background. (Below left, the Cathedral's main entrance: the main door that can be seen in the background is only used by the Pope...so the last time it was opened was 25 yrs ago when Pope JPII visited!!; below right: random beautiful door)

Being a history major, perhaps I just have a deep appreciation for the past and an admiration for all that the human race has accomplished throughout the centuries. One example of this, and the best example in Toledo, is the Cathedral. Absolutely spectacular. It is enormous and brilliantly elaborated. From the outside it definitely is the centerpoint of the city and looks imposing, but it's when you walk in that you are completely blown away by the magnificence. Any visitor to Toledo must see this work of art and all of the treasures within, such as the Monstrance below which is actually used in the Procession of Corpus Cristi throughout the city once a year. It is made of solid gold and silver, weighing 400 lbs)

Seeing the Cathedral and other buildings in Toledo, gives you an idea of it's past importance. This was "the city" in Spain, the place where the Royal Monarchs wanted to be buried, the place where trade with the East met and most importantly, a great example of the coexistence of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. All three religions found their place in Toledo and everyone practiced real tolerance.

It was one of the Spanish Kings who (on a whim it seems) decided to move the center of Spain to Madrid. With this move to Madrid, Toledo ceased to be important and thus has remained trapped in time -- perhaps to our great good, because we can in some way relive life the way it must have been in teh 16th century.

Above: picture of a typical Spaniard; below: us with the tour guide outside the Cathedral.

Walking through the streets of Toledo.

 I absolutely loved Toledo and hope we can go back in the Spring, when the weather promises to be better!
We also saw a beautiful synagogue and the Royal Monastery of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella -which is not to be missed!