Toledo: Dating back to antiquity

We devoted the morning walking through the narrow maze of cobblestone streets to antiquity. Toledo is mentioned in Roman History as far back as 59 BC because of the fierce battles they encountered against Celtic tribes. Under Roman control it was named "Toletum". The outer walls were expanded and fortified around the whole city. Roman architecture and aqueducts flourished. They also built a great circus for sporting games and chariot races, the race tracks are still visible today. After the Romans, the Visigoths ruled the city until the Moors conquered the peninsula early in the eight century until the reconquest by the Christian monarchy.

The large building on the background is the Alcazar of Toledo a stone fortification located 
at the highest part of the city. It was once a Roman palace. In the 1500 s. It was restored and 
       later played a very important role during Spanish Civil War. The Alcazar became a symbol
 of Spanish Nationalism. In present day it is the Castilla-La Mancha regional library, it also
 houses the museum of the Army.

El puente de San Martin is a medieval bridge across the river Tajo. It was constructed in the
late 14 century, still in use today

Mercedes' peek-boo greeting from Toledo Spain

The cobblestones twinkle after a light morning drizzle. Narrow streets 
make for a good "neighborhood watch program".

This street leads to the Cathedral of Toledo, you can see the tower.

 Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Todedo,  Established after the Moors capitulated in a 
bloodless take over by Spain.

A view of the Cathedral's tower

We arrived in Toledo early, we met our guide and walked through the narrow streets. 
 most part free of crowds. On the way out  to our coach it was a bit different.

This masterful work of art, by El Greco "The burial of Lord of Ordaz", has been on exhibition at the Church of Santo Tome in Toledo since the 1500 s. This work is considered universally as his greatest masterpiece. Art critics claim that it is the most beautifully crafted religious painting of all times. The painting is divided in two parts, heaven above and the burial scene below. Skyward elongated saints and angels in El Grecos' mannerist style. Below the terrestrial scene painted in normal proportions. Because the painting lacks horizon and perspective it achieves supernatural space and creates strange species of harmony.