S at the Top of the World... and What About Parador Restaurants?
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bienvenida Toledo Terrace dining at Parador de Toledo Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is The steel industry in Toledo dates back to 500BC with City of 3 cultures often referred to as the ‘city of three cultures’ due to the swords and weapons being one of the primary products. co-existing Christian, Moorish, and Jewish presence in Hannibal was said to have sourced his weaponry from the 8th century and the proceeding years. The result of Toledo, and as such the town was responsible for arming this diverse cultural heritage is a city with fascinating many of the Roman legions during the Punic Wars. Today architecture inluenced by these three prominent its signiicant military contributions are recognized in the communities. Alcazar Fortress which sits atop Toledo watching over the sprawling city below. A former defensive structure, it Toledo’s most famous luminary is unquestionably the dates back to Roman times, although it has been rebuilt oledo renowned Renaissance artist El Greco. Originally from many times since then. The Renaissance façade now Crete (hence his moniker ‘The Greek’), he moved to Toledo guards the National Army Museum, home to numerous when he was 36 years old and lived and worked in the city artefacts and paintings, and housing a large library on its until his death in 1614. El Greco’s art is celebrated interna- top loor with over 100,000 printed volumes dating back to tionally, often as one of the best examples of Spanish the 16th - 19th centuries. Renaissance painting and sculpting, and Toledo does not shy away from heaping praise on its most prized resident. The architecture and cultural atmosphere of Toledo are El Greco’s former home has been transformed into a huge attractions, and a wander through the city uncovers a In terms of cultural wealth, look no further than Toledo. From music museum showcasing many of his works, many of which range of wonders such as churches, mosques, synagogues, to artists, architecture, and even sword-making, Toledo has a rich can also be found in the beautiful Renaissance Tavera and ancestral homes dating back many centuries. The Hospital, alongside other great Spanish and Italian works variation in style and history is one of Toledo’s most history which encompasses a wide range of cultural interests, engross- by artists such as Jusepe de Ribera and Titian. One of El charming features and this is prominently illustrated by ing for any visitor searching for a busy and enlightening city break. Greco’s most famous paintings, ‘The Burial of the Count the city’s Cathedral. Originally modelled on Bourges’ Orgaz’, can be found in the Santo Tomé church, where Cathedral, the building combines Gothic and Mudéjar visitors can admire his work in beautiful surroundings, styles and was built upon a former Mosque, which featuring a majestic Mudéjar tower. originally replaced church, a prime example of the changing cultures for which Toledo is famous. Music is also interwoven with Toledo’s artistic contribu- tions with the city being an important guitar production During your visit make sure to stop by the Plaza de centre. Vistors to the city can watch the guitar-making Zocodover, originally an important Moorish market, process at century-old classical guitar manufacturers event, and festival point, the square is still one of Toledo’s Guitarras Manuel Rodriguez and Sons. liveliest and most colourful centres. Toledo’s Puerta de Bisaqra 2 3 bienvenida Toledo Terrace dining at Parador de Toledo Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is The steel industry in Toledo dates back to 500BC with City of 3 cultures often referred to as the ‘city of three cultures’ due to the swords and weapons being one of the primary products. co-existing Christian, Moorish, and Jewish presence in Hannibal was said to have sourced his weaponry from the 8th century and the proceeding years. The result of Toledo, and as such the town was responsible for arming this diverse cultural heritage is a city with fascinating many of the Roman legions during the Punic Wars. Today architecture inluenced by these three prominent its signiicant military contributions are recognized in the communities. Alcazar Fortress which sits atop Toledo watching over the sprawling city below. A former defensive structure, it Toledo’s most famous luminary is unquestionably the dates back to Roman times, although it has been rebuilt oledo renowned Renaissance artist El Greco. Originally from many times since then. The Renaissance façade now Crete (hence his moniker ‘The Greek’), he moved to Toledo guards the National Army Museum, home to numerous when he was 36 years old and lived and worked in the city artefacts and paintings, and housing a large library on its until his death in 1614. El Greco’s art is celebrated interna- top loor with over 100,000 printed volumes dating back to tionally, often as one of the best examples of Spanish the 16th - 19th centuries. Renaissance painting and sculpting, and Toledo does not shy away from heaping praise on its most prized resident. The architecture and cultural atmosphere of Toledo are El Greco’s former home has been transformed into a huge attractions, and a wander through the city uncovers a In terms of cultural wealth, look no further than Toledo. From music museum showcasing many of his works, many of which range of wonders such as churches, mosques, synagogues, to artists, architecture, and even sword-making, Toledo has a rich can also be found in the beautiful Renaissance Tavera and ancestral homes dating back many centuries. The Hospital, alongside other great Spanish and Italian works variation in style and history is one of Toledo’s most history which encompasses a wide range of cultural interests, engross- by artists such as Jusepe de Ribera and Titian. One of El charming features and this is prominently illustrated by ing for any visitor searching for a busy and enlightening city break. Greco’s most famous paintings, ‘The Burial of the Count the city’s Cathedral. Originally modelled on Bourges’ Orgaz’, can be found in the Santo Tomé church, where Cathedral, the building combines Gothic and Mudéjar visitors can admire his work in beautiful surroundings, styles and was built upon a former Mosque, which featuring a majestic Mudéjar tower. originally replaced church, a prime example of the changing cultures for which Toledo is famous. Music is also interwoven with Toledo’s artistic contribu- tions with the city being an important guitar production During your visit make sure to stop by the Plaza de centre. Vistors to the city can watch the guitar-making Zocodover, originally an important Moorish market, process at century-old classical guitar manufacturers event, and festival point, the square is still one of Toledo’s Guitarras Manuel Rodriguez and Sons. liveliest and most colourful centres. Toledo’s Puerta de Bisaqra 2 3 bienvenida Santiago de Compostela antiagoantiago dede CompostelaCompostela ©www.santiagoturismo.com The end of the road or the start of a new chapter? The Botafumeiro swings during the noon Mass on these dates Date* Epiphany January 6 Easter Sunday April 5 Ascension May 14 Anniversary of the Battle of Clavijo May 23 Pentecost Sunday May 24 Feast of St. James July 25 Assumption of the Virgin Mary August 15 Sánches ©Luis Miguel Feast of All Saints November 1 Feast of Christ the King (before the rst Sunday of Advent Sunday) November 22 Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8 Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) December 25 Translating the remains of Holy Apostle December 30 This city’s name is synonymous with the Camino de Santiago *Correct as of 16/12/14 according to www.horariosbotafumeiro.com pilgrimage which sees millions of walkers, cyclists, and drivers make the long journey across northern Spain on this spiritual and You should not inish exploring the cathedral without visiting its rooftop which stamina-testing journey. What people may not know is that this boasts panoramic views over the city; we recommend an audio or guided tour of this magniicent building to make the most of your trip. World Heritage City is a jewel of a destination in its own right. ©www.santiagoturismo.com In addition to the religious signiicance of Santiago de Compostela, the town also has a lively historic centre with shops, bars and restaurants. We suggest visiting Its history is intricately linked with the Camino and the It is built up around a 1st century mausoleum, the inal the colourful ‘Mercado de Abastos’, the city’s main traditional food market, Parador itself said to be one of the oldest hotels in the resting place of Saint James who was one of the Twelve where you can ind local delicacies. Make sure you try some of the typical world, offering respite to pilgrims for hundreds of years, Apostles and the Patron Saint of Spain. The Cathedral has seafood and ish dishes during your visit, Galicia is praised throughout Spain for in fact the Parador still offers a free breakfast to the irst been expanded and retouched over the years resulting in its history as a primary ishing region, and the traditional shellish and octopus ©www.santiagoturismo.com 10 pilgrims to arrive each morning. an attractive combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and specialities are delicious! ©www.santiagoturismo.com Baroque architecture, of which the high altar and dome are Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral is without doubt one of Above all, Santiago is a great starting point for discovering Galicia, Spain’s particularly beautiful elements. One of the most famous the city’s main attractions and holds a great deal of greenest region and one of its most beautiful.