Toledo, a walled city, the ancient capital of the Visigoth Kingdom that reigned in South West France and the Iberian peninsular between the 5th and 8th centuries replacing the Roman rulers. What a place. The narrow, cobbled streets lined with shops selling souvenirs, food, and hand made jewelry, and many restaurants, cafe’s and bars. This place is full of atmosphere and history and no wonder it was chosen as the capital. Situated on a hill high above the plains and the River Targus, Spain’s longest river which enters the Atlantic ocean eventually near Lisbon in Portugal.
Toledo has a spiritual legacy as well. It has a long history of religious tolerance and this can be seen in the many varied forms of architecture seen throughout its’ streets. Jewish, Christian and Muslim influences abound. The main picture in this blog has the intriguing name of Sinagoga De Santa Maria La Blanca, and amazing building once a Jewish Synagogue, then a church but with very distinctive Muslim architecture. This is just one example of the ‘mix’ of religion found in Toledo. Another is the former Mosque, Mezquita Del Cristo De La Luz, pictured below. Yes, as usual, these building were part of so called religious ‘wars’ and sadly the result of people being forced to change their faith, but rather than destroy or rebuild, somehow Toledo has retained the history and remains a centre of tolerance between faiths.
The Cathedral is very impressive and large, including a double ambulatory and a cloister. Sadly no photographs were allowed in side the building itself (but there are two below!). Yes it had the usual Baroque high altar piece with the usual depictions and elaborate interpretations of biblical events and the Passion of Christ but the shear size of this cathedral is breath-taking and the double ambulatory giving the opportunity for a stunning sculpture behind the main altar that is lit by a window in the opposite wall – quite stunning. The church also boasts an effigy of a local Islamic Jurist, Abu Walid, who helped broker peace between the Muslims and the Christians during the 11th century. More testament to the tolerance and understanding between faiths.
This city simply oozes life and spirituality. Prayer and worship of whatever faith has been, and is, something that has gone on in this place for centuries. Add to this the beauty of the city it was a great place to be on the last leg of the ‘tour’, not that the journey of discovery is finished however.
