I visited Toledo in 2010 and spent a lovely couple of days in this medieval city. Fascinating place because you really sense that it was once a city of Christians, Muslims and Jews.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, it was a Christian Visigoth city up until the eighth century when it was invaded and taken by Muslim armies. For over 350 years it remained an Islamic run city until it was seized by the crusader Christian kingdom of Castile. And throughout all of this time, it had a large and thriving Jewish community.
The mix of the three faiths can be seen everywhere in the old medieval city. It’s a heady combination of the Abrahamic faiths. Because Toledo declined in importance and so the medieval streets and places of worship survived. What is very noticeable is those buildings that began as Visigoth churches then became mosques and then reverted back to being churches after the crusader conquest.
The city witnessed the emergence of the Mudejar style, a unique architectural style that combined Visigothic and Islamic elements. Examples of Mudejar architecture include Santiago del Arrabal (13th century), the Moorish Workshop and Puerta del Sol gate (14th century), and the wainscot of Santa Cruz Hospital and the chapter house of the Cathedral (15th and 16th centuries).
When Toledo fell to the crusaders, scholars from all over Europe descended on the city to scour its formerly Muslim-run libraries. They were looking for ancient texts that the Islamic caliphate had translated and kept. Some of those texts going back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. But there was also the works of Muslim and Jewish scientists and philosophers.
Toledo was once famous for its steel – used in the production of swords. The distinctive technique used in Toledo sword-making involved a concealed wrought iron strip within the steel blade, enhancing its strength and resilience. The Royal National Factory of Weapons was established in 1761 to preserve the art of Toledo sword-making, bringing together master artisans. Companies like Marto in Toledo still produce traditional swords and armor, following the techniques of master craftsmen.
I thoroughly recommend a visit to medieval Toledo. It’s often neglected in favour or Seville and Cordoba further south. But if you really want to experience what medieval Iberia was like – then go to Toledo. It was a surprising joy.
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