Ole!

Hello once again wanderers!

This week, our winding journey takes us to one of my favorite cities, Toledo, Spain. Say hello, please.

Photo Credit: Colin Angus Mackay

Oh boy, Toledo is like traveling back in time! The first time I went there five years ago, I felt like I was thrown into a time machine and magically appeared in medieval times. I gotta tell you, medieval times are cool; swords, knights, castles… what’s not cool about that?

Well, let me tell you a little history lesson on the beautiful city. Toledo is a very old city, settled around the 7th century B.C. So much so, that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It’s also a religious city, having been home to Christians, Muslims, and Jews all at the same time. On another note, the city is known for it’s amazing metal works and its expertly confectioned swords. (One of which I happen to own! So cool!) Toledo sits atop a small hill on the Spanish countryside and is south of Spain’s capital, Madrid.

There’s quite a few things to do around Toledo to learn about it’s history and enjoy the wonderful scenery and architecture. In you’re in for the sightseeing these are the places to go: The Alcázar, a great fort overlooking the city, which holds the Army museum as well; The Cathedral, which dates back to the thirteenth century; and the Synagogue of El Transito, which is home to the Sephardic museum. If you’re an art enthusiast, you must know that Toledo was home to historic, painter El Greco. There is a house-museum dedicated to him, which houses several of his paintings.

Photo Credit: Vicente Gascó

When the journey starts tiring you, take a breather. Visit “Café de las Monjas,” a small, coffee shop and relax. Have some coffee, eat some pastries, but relax. Hey! After all, you’re on vacation. When ready to keep on exploring, I invite you to trek around Toledo’s streets and bask in the glory of it’s incredible sites, buildings, roads, people, swords, and warmth. Let yourself be transported into this medieval landscape, as I did many years ago. I can assure you, that you won’t regret it.

Lastly, don’t forget… swords!

Photo Credit: katyhutch