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 Mythology and legends |
Casco Histórico Toledo 45001 Spain |
Under the long-since disappeared San Ginés church in the Historic District, there existed the domes of an older building, Roman in origin, that would inspire a famous legend. The story goes that from this spot one can reach the Tajo River through underground passages. The story also says that it was Hercules himself who dug the tunnels, although there doesn't seem to be any real, scientific basis for this belief. In any case, various excavations that have set out to prove that these caves do really exist have only served to discover some more rooms dating from the Roman era. They cannot be visited. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: G. Christopher Clark  |
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Water for the city |
El Valle Toledo 45001 Spain +34 925 22 0843 |
Only a few ruins are left of this magnificant work of engineering in the Tajo River at the feet of the Alcázar, that served to supply the city with water in the 16th Century. Visitors can reach these ruins via the Alcántara Bridge. A great deal has been written about what the artifice must have been like, given that it is a work that was admired throughout the world during its era. In general terms, there were a few turrets supported by laths and strips, with bails that lifted water out of the river and through the towers. The engineer and watchmaker from Lombardy, Juanelo Turriano, was the brilliant mind behind the project backed by King Felipe II. Juanelo also built a wooden "robot," known as "The Stick Man," which gives name to one of the most well-known streets of the city. Currently, the reconstruction of Juanelos' work is being studied. For more information phone the Tourist Office on the number above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A wealth of history |
Avenida Castilla-La Mancha Toledo 45300 Spain +34 925 12 0891 |
This town is worth visiting for its beautiful historic buildings, its Good Friday procession and its excellent food and wines. The square in the atmospheric old town is so impressive it has been declared an official national monument. The 15th century Santo Domingo monastery has finely carved choir stalls. The 16th century Fuente Grande square is paved with stone and features galleries and washhouses. Come during Easter, especially Good Friday, to see the statues of the saints being carried through the streets accompanied by ceremonial guards. Try the local wine, Manchego cheese and the game dishes. It's 50km from Toledo, the local festival is from September 7-11 and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants. The public bus from Toledo leaves from the Avenida Castilla-La Mancha. For times, tel. +34 925 215 854. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: -Merce- |
 Photo: xaluanin |
 Photo: Francisco Manzanal |
 Photo: Jose Maria. |
 Photo: Slim Ficky |
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Located to 4km from Toledo |
Valle de San Bernardo Toledo Spain |
San Bernardo is an old farm and valley located to 4km from Toledo. It was originally known as Mount Zion, as there once was a Marian religious order hermitage with said name on top of one of the two hills on the farm's southern edge. The building actually predates the San Bernardo monastery, which was set up here in 1427. The entire valley (from the left bank of the river to the hermitage, El Ángel farm, La Peraleda and the Bastida hills) is now referred to as San Bernardo. The old monastery has been restored on several occasions. The gardens can be easily visited, and the hermitage is open to the public, though you must ask the monks that still live there to open it for you. San Bernardo is off the Puebla de Montalbán motorway (there is no bus service). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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11th century castle |
Subida de San Servando, s/n Toledo 45006 Spain +34 925 22 4554 |
The Castillo de San Servando is what remains of part of Toledo's defences and is reached by crossing the Alcántara Bridge. There were fortifications as far back as the Moslem era and probably in Visigothic times too. When Alfonso VI took the city in 1085 he built the castle on the ruins of older buildings. Two further reconstructions have taken place, one in the 12th century and again in 1380. The final rebuilding incorporated Arabic elements including a large central square and turrets. Castilla La Mancha's first regional government chamber was established here in 1983. Nowadays, the castle contains a youth hostel and is only open to members. For more information on this, please see accomodation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Seth Holladay |
 Photo: asonnenklar |