Toledo is a city located in central Spain. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Toledo itself was a fascinating medieval fortified hill town with a tangle of narrow streets. It is situated up on a hill with the
Tagus River going around it which provided it with very good natural defenses. The walls and Alcazar were added to improve up on that. Historical records indicate that the town was called Carpetania until it was taken in 192 BC by the Romans and renamed Toletum. Under the Spaniards, Toledo was the capital of
Spain until it was moved to Madrid in 1561. It was also the beginning point for the Spanish Renaissance and is closely linked to
El Greco.
Toledo’s
Alcazar (castle) is located at the highest point in town and was always a key part of the city’s defense. Over its long history it has been completely destroyed a number of times but the Alcazar has always been rebuilt. Its current appearance was first seen after one of those re-buildings in 1522. Since then it has been destroyed 4 more times-the last time being in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.
Toledo was known for a long time for its peaceful coexistence of the three cultures of the Jewish, Muslims, and Christians. In the Jewish Quarter you can visit the Santa Maria la Blanca
Synagogue which must be one of the only synagogues done in Mudejar style.
The Gothic cathedral of Toledo was built on the previous site of the
Great Mosque and construction went from 1226-1493. Monastery San Juan de Los Reyes was built in the Jewish Quarter by the Catholic Monarchs in order to commemorate a battle victory. It is particularly famous for its beautiful cloister.
Since the 1870s,
Cedar Point amusement park has been a summertime tradition for families across the Midwest. The rich history and modern world wonders have created one of the most successful entertainment attractions in the world.
Every year Cedar Point hosts more than three million people from around the world. Its popularity continues to grow due to world-recording-breaking roller coasters and amazing attractions. With 68 rides, including 16 roller coasters,
Cedar Point has more rides and more roller coasters than any park in the world. Two of its newest coasters are legends. Built in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster is 420 feet tall and reaches speeds of 120 mph! Cedar Point has entertained people for more than 135 years! The park was originally named for the groves of cedar trees that once outlined the peninsula. It first started as a bathing beach with small attractions and gradually turned into the Cedar Point of today.
Situated on the Maumee River, in the shadow of downtown Toledo, is the
SS Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship. Launched in 1911, the 617-foot freighter was once the largest bulk freighter on the Great Lakes. After many years of careful restoration, the ship opened to the public as a floating nautical museum in 1987 and has been a downtown destination for thousands ever since.
The museum offers to visitors a unique, hands-on experience as well as a glimpse into the ship’s huge size and beautiful interiors, including the officer’s dining room, captain’s quarters and awesome engine room. Many visitors have their pictures taken next to the ship’s wheel. The ship is closed on Tuesdays.
If you are going to Madrid, a day trip to Toledo is almost a “must visit.” Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Vibrant in history, the old center of the city can become packed with tourists during the weekends of high season, but if you can only do one day trip out of Madrid, this is the city to see.
