SPAIN - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 506

Toledo is (as is Avila) capital of a province with the same name. Toledo province
is defined by mountain ranges, rivers, and rich rolling valleys; it abounds with
game, aromatic plants, and delicate white-leafed rock roses—all of which distin-
guishes Toledo from the other provinces of La Mancha with their monotonous, flat
expanses.
Divided by the River Tagus, Toledo has the rich and varied history of most river
towns, and in Europe's south that means conquests by Romans, Visigoths, Moors,
and ultimately Christians, who declared it Spain's Imperial City. It was ruled by the
legendary El Cid. The impact of such a diverse history earned Toledo the UNESCO
“Heritage of Mankind” status, defining it as one of the richest historically, culturally,
and monumentally endowed cities in Spain.
A Cretan named Domenico Teotocopulo arrived in Toledo in 1577. His arrival
might have gone unnoticed, except that Señor Teotocopulo, better known as El
Greco, happened to be a painter of some renown. El Greco painted and be-
queathed his best to Toledo. The Museum of Santa Cruz and the El Greco mu-
seum as well as the cathedral honor the achievements of one of Spain's most cre-
ative artists.
Although Toledo's history may be complicated, its charm is definitely not.
Wander the city's narrow cobblestone streets; visit its friendly cafes, which remain
open late into the night; and taste its fresh fruits from the open market in the morn-
ing.
In 1226 King Ferdinand III laid the first stone in the Cathedral of Toledo, and
today it is renowned for its art and architecture. The 13th-century fortress Alcazar
was a Roman Pretorian Palace in the 3rd century.