It was a fairly long walk and steep climb up into the city. Perched strategically in the center of Iberia, for centuries Toledo was a Roman transportation hub with a thriving Jewish population. After Rome fell, the city became a Visigothic capital (A.D.554). In 711 the Moors (Muslims) made it a regional center. In 1085 the city was reconquered by Christians, but many Moors remained in Toledo, tolerated and respected as scholars and craftsmen. Whereas Jews were commonly persecuted elsewhere in Europe, Toledo’s Jewish community - educated, wealthy, and cosmopolitan - thrived from the city’s earliest times. Jews of Spanish origin are called Sephardic Jews. The American expression "Holy Toledo" likely originated from the Sephardic Jews who eventually immigrated to America. To them, Toledo was the holiest Jewish City in Europe ... Holy Toledo!
Toledo remained Spain’s political Capital until 1561, when Phillip II moved to more-spacious Madrid. It seems likely the Monarchy wanted to separate itself from the power and influence of the Roman Catholic Church.
These slides are out of order. The first is the river Tajo which surrounds Teledo.
Here are the fast trains that run to Toledo.
This is the Madrid main railway station called Atocha.
Here is a view of the ancient bridge over to Toledo with the town in the background.
