Skip to main content

Toledo not just a tale of yesteryears






      Small cities and towns have always intrigued me. Small cities and towns have a wonder of their own, whether it's flavor, food, flair, festive culture, or craft. You will find something significant and unique about it. When we were traveling Spain, Toledo was my top pick. Announced as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Toledo is a seamless blend of three cultures: Roman, Jewish, and Moorish.

      Cobblestone streets, a historic little square mountain, and situated on the banks of the Tagus River, Toledo is a postcard-perfect city and a haven for the traveling soul.

How to get there and how much time you should spend
       Less than an hour from Madrid by car or train, it is perfect for a day trip or if you want to witness the city at night, staying over for a day or two could be a perfect option. We drove from Madrid to Toledo for a day trip, but after visiting, I regret that we should have spent a day or two to get the essence of the whole city.

What are the main attractions?



1. Mirador Del Valle:   If you want to get a glimpse of the gorgeous view of the city, here you are.




2. Catedral Primada: Toledo's treasure, featuring an ornate interior and intricate outer architecture.


3. Synagogues: Established in 1180 by Moorish architects, now preserved by the Catholic Church, these Jewish worship places are a testament to diversity in a multicultural setting.





4. Alcazar: Sparkling from Mirador del Valle, a gem located at the highest part of Toledo, it was once a Roman site in the 3rd century and later used as a fortification during the Spanish Civil War.



5. Puerta de Bisagra: Greets you in the grandeur, the gate built in 1559 by Alonso de Covarrubias, you can't miss it once you enter the city.

Cool things to do

       Walking through the nostalgia of Jewish quarters: An escape from the hustle and bustle, it almost feels like a time machine, taking you to another time. Walking on the Tiny alleys of sublime cobblestone streets, sense the Jewish heritage.


Not just shop: Shopping is fun, but when you can witness the muse of what you buy, that's priceless. Stop by the shops and artisans who are not just selling things but creating art, especially jewelry.


       The melting pot of multicultural Toledo is not just a tale of yesteryear, but a past that resonates in the present and future.




Labels:

Comments

  1. Katie-louiseSeptember 1, 2018 at 6:59 PM

    Such beautiful photos .. Looks like somewhere i would like to travel one day. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 1, 2018 at 7:58 PM

    Small towns are my happy places. I have to add this to my bucket list

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary BSeptember 1, 2018 at 10:00 PM

    This looks like a really peaceful place to visit. I wouldn't mind exploring that palace. The photos you have shared are exquisite.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ashley KSeptember 2, 2018 at 5:39 PM

    What a beautiful place, and it looks like there is so much to see. Spain is on my top 10 places that I want to one day visit, so I will be sure to see Toledo whenever I do make it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dr. K. Lee BanksSeptember 2, 2018 at 6:32 PM

    It's always fun to take virtual trips with people like you, through your great photos and descriptions. I don't know if I'll ever get to travel there, but if I could, I would want to visit some of these places. I especially like the idea of seeing the work of artisans as they demonstrate their handiwork.

    ReplyDelete
  6. krishSeptember 3, 2018 at 12:26 AM

    Great desription and complementing lovely pics literally take the reader on a virtual tour of the place....
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Serin QuinnSeptember 3, 2018 at 8:10 AM

    Wow this looks like such a gorgeous city, and your photos are amazing! I'd love to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Monidipa DuttaSeptember 3, 2018 at 10:22 AM

    This pics are really amazing. Small towns have a different happiness of their own which can't be found at big cities.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownSeptember 3, 2018 at 11:17 PM

    Toledo looks like a beautiful place. I would love to tour the town on foot and explore every alley I can. You've got some lovely pictures there. Cheers!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. mail4roseySeptember 4, 2018 at 4:54 AM

    I love to see local artisans at work. We always buy locally made if possible, especially when traveling.

    ReplyDelete
  11. NoorSeptember 5, 2018 at 2:28 AM

    You got beautiful images. Thanks for sharing this travel experience to us.

    ReplyDelete
  12. RheaSeptember 5, 2018 at 6:27 AM

    Thank you for introducing us to Toledo! I haven't been to Spain' but it is included on my bucket list.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jules on the moonSeptember 5, 2018 at 10:23 AM

    Beautiful pictures, it seems you had a great time!

    https://julesonthemoon.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. duffelbagspouseSeptember 19, 2018 at 10:51 AM

    Is Toledo where Don Quixote was? I didn't;t get there on this last trip to Spain, but I hear its a pretty college town and I hope to get there next time.

    ReplyDelete
  15. JessicaFebruary 29, 2020 at 10:28 PM

    I've always heard and read wonderful teens about Toledo Spain. I love the ambience, looks very simple and historic

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My favorite pieces of Assamese Traditional jewelry

My grandmother's thuria, age-old and heirloom jewelry, of course, not part-able         A piece of jewelry echoes a region's rich heritage, aesthetics and sensibilities and Assamese jewelry does not differ from that. A piece of jewelry not just enhances the wearer's beauty but identity as well.       A land of flamboyant rivers engulfed in exotic flora and fauna, birds, musical instruments Assamese jewelry is highly inspired by that. Sharing a few assamese pieces of jewelry from my personal collection.       An Assamese bride's dress up is incomplete without Assamese jewelry. Traditionally Assamese jewelry is purely handmade. The main frame is made out with 24-carat gold and lac is used as a filling material. Stones are studded on the top.  The creatively and meticulously studded stone craftsmanship resembles with pomegranate seeds. The color and texture of the stone are opulent and lurid jus...
98 comments
Read more

Jurun...an assamese beautiful pre-wedding ceremony

  Indian weddings encompass many beautiful ceremonies and traditions. In Assamese culture, Jurun is a pre-wedding ceremony. It usually occurs a day or two before the wedding day, sometimes even on the same day of the wedding. A tradition where the groom’s family, especially women, visit the bride's family to present the wedding trousseau (Mekhela chadar), jewelry, some makeup, and accessories. In my belief, a tradition that welcomes the bride to her new family with gifts, love, and blessings.  On the day of Jurun, Aam Dali godha (A stringed mango leaf) is a tradition and is tied over the door. It is believed that it will ward off all bad energy and bring good luck to the newlyweds. Usually, jurun happens in the morning or before noon. The goom does not accompany the group. Before going to the bride's home, the groom and his family get blessings from the people who gather for the jurun. Another tradition associated with Jurun is filling two small bell metal vases (called l...
37 comments
Read more

Bartaco, West Hartford , Connecticut review

It was a usual February day, the chill felt like tucking in the furry comforter and stay cozy at home. But, the matter of the fact was that it was my birthday  and my family wanted me to take out for dinner. I was reluctant and wanted to stay at home. My little one was after me and I couldn't say no. I had no clue where we were heading for dinner and then here we were at the Bartaco. Vivacious Bartaco instantly took away my winter sluggishness. With a gracious greeting, modern contemporary laid back sitting and a bit of hustle and bustle made me alive in the winter freezing February. The high ceiling, ivory walls, earthy light shades stroked a tropical vibe and the food spoke a lot about Mexico and Latin America. As a sober, I chose housemade pomegranate lemonade and hubby got grapefruit ginger juice. I never had pomegranate lemonade before, I must say it was one of the coolest and refreshing lemonade I have ever had. The tint of lemonade not just took the look but ...
8 comments
Read more