Toledo
Written: Sep 08 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Compact - all major attractions reasonably close together
Cons: The city is hilly and might prove a challenge if you can't walk a lot
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| BwanaTom's Full Review: Toledo |
As all the tour books will tell you, Toledo was once the capital of Spain and I'd recommend you read a little history first so you be able to appreciate it's place in world history as you gaze at it's remarkable unchanged architecture. The city is basically in 2 sections - the historic walled city on the hill and the subsequent city that has grown up around it. A day visit to the city is a perfect adjunct if you are staying in Madrid several days. Toledo is an easy one-hour drive (if you have a car) or a quick train ride. Buses probably go there but I'm not sure.
Either way, you park at the train station situated below the old city and take a bus up. You can walk up the hill but it's hardly worth the 30-minute hike since the bus ride cost 100 pesetas each way. You land at Zocodover Plaza and everything is a relatively easy walk from there. Several booths sell guide maps and detailed city histories. You can survive without either if you have a good guide book but the maps do make getting around easier via detailed street information.
The Cathedral is a must see - it's one of the most impressive in Spain and contains an art museum inside with notable artists, including El Greco, and a ceiling mural that will blow you away. The history of Spain, and the world, has deep roots in Catholicism and this church was central
to it a one time.
The Alcazar is worth a visit if you won't be checking out any other forts or arsenals during your trip. Theres a nice (free) view from the entrance area. The streets near the Alcazar are filled with shops that produce swords and suits of armor. Check them out. There are also several reasonably priced tile and ceramic curio shops oriented toward tourists.
The other major attractions in the city are oriented toward El Greco (Santa Cruz Museum, his house, the Santo Tome chapel.) If you have time, aren't going to visit the Prado, or can't get enough of the 'The Greek', then do these as time permits. Otherwise, spend remaining available time
meandering the narrow and quaint streets of this genuinely historic and romantic town.
Reasonably priced food, cafes and accommodations appeared to be plentiful and inside and out of the walls. If you plan to overnight it be sure to check a guide book such as Rick Steeves or Let's Go for suggestions. This is a city on every charter tour, so shoot for the less crowded periods if you can.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
BwanaTom
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Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 2 members
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