Toledo: city of the 3 cultures

Toledo: city of 3 cultures

Toledo, since its beginnings in the Bronze Age (around 1500 years ago), has been a city filled with history legends. This city in La Mancha was a Roman Metropolis, a Muslim city and the capital of the Spanish Empire (before Madrid) which all transformed Toledo into one of the cultural and architectural gems of the world.
Discover with us this World Heritage Site which became an example of tolerance and cultural diversity during the reign of Alfonso X “El Sabio” in the 11th century.

The 3 Toledos:  What to see?

Because of its cultural wealth, Toledo has an exquisite blend of different architectural styles from its organisation as a city and its remarkably preserved buildings. The city is a fascinating combination of the three main cultures that have passed through Spain: Jewish, Muslim and Catholic. In a short walk, you will be able to view the Catholic cathedral, Jewish synagogues and a Muslim mosque, demonstrating the perfect example of architectural beauty and cultural tolerance.

Toledo has much to offer and La Mancha capital is certainly worth visiting for at least a day. For the travellers who are in Madrid and who decide to visit Toledo they can find excursions from Madrid and discover the main "Toledo ". We recommend not to miss the following places in the mythical city of three cultures:

• The cathedral: built in the 13th century and home of some of the most important works of the artist “El Greco” .
• The Mosque of Christ of the Light: Built in the 10th century, it is the only mosque to be preserved after the catholic conquest in the 15th century.
• The Sephardic Museum, attached to the Tránsito Synagogue in which you can discover the artistic, cultural and religious Jewish background of the city.
• The Alcázar (current Army Museum): A military fortification of Arab origin which, given its prime strategic location, has been used for military purposes by all the civilizations that conquered Toledo.
• Alcázar surroundings:  Its position on top of the city makes it possible to enjoy of a breathtaking view of Toledo and the surrounding Tagus River.

El Greco and Toledo

The Burial of the Count of Orgaz 

Doménikos Theotokópoulos “El Greco” was probably the most important artist of the Renaissance. El Greco was born in Crete in 1541 and spent most of his life in Toledo, a city he loved, in which he lived and died in 1614. At the beginning of his career his work consisted of large canvases of religious depictions and portraits, but over the years his painting evolved into a style that made him a unique artist. This peculiar style consisted of elongated, almost ghostly forms, contrasting colours and dreamlike scenery. In 2014 Toledo commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of El Greco, who is currently considered one of the most important western artists in history. To celebrate this anniversary, this year Toledo will exhibit most of the artwork of El Greco. His works will be exhibited in different parts of the city from March 14 to June 14, but the main sites will be the Museo de Santa Cruz and the Cathedral of Toledo. Undoubtedly, El Greco and Toledo are a combination that is worth discovering, and why not this weekend?