Visit Toledo: Tourism in Madrid

Madrid is a city full of things to see and things pro to do, but if you travel at least a week to the Spanish capital but you should visit Toledo, a historic World Heritage Site now (since 1987). Two of the most noteworthy attractions and you can not miss are the one hand, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, of the Franciscan Order, which was built under the patronage of Queen Isabella I of Castile with the intention of turning in the royal mausoleum commemorating the Battle of Toro and the birth of Prince John. It is one of the most valuable examples of Elizabethan Gothic style in Spain and the most important building erected by the Catholic Monarchs. The monastery is also a memorial to the achievements of the Catholic Monarchs and its political agenda.

On the other hand, we find the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a Gothic building considered the magnum opus of the Gothic style in Spain. Construction began in 1226 under the reign of Ferdinand III and the last Gothic contributions were in the fifteenth century when in 1493 closed the vaults of the feet of the nave, at the time of Ferdinand and Isabella. It is built of white stone Olihuelas (within Olias del Rey). The best option to visit Toledo is staying in an apartment in Madrid and moved by train or car.

A little history ... After the Germanic invasions, the city became the capital along with Leovigildo, and later, principal ecclesiastical seat of the Visigothic Kingdom. Toledo in 711 conquered with little opposition by Muslims led by Tariq ibn Ziyad. During Muslim rule, the former Visigothic capital was marked by his opposition and individualism, embodied in the Taifa of Toledo. Meanwhile, during the modern age emerged as the city headquarters of the Catholic Monarchs and also participated in the War of the Communities of Castile. However, the court moved to Madrid in 1563 the city fell into decline, accentuated by the current economic crisis.

Toledo was officially elected the capital of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha after a vote in Parliament, on December 7, 1983. For the election, the regional government commissioned Jose Maria Barreda a process of informing and consulting the public, political institutions and cultural associations.