We've added the city of Toledo to the Duckwyn Travel app. There's a new sticker for your family to add to their passport and a series of new quests to explore.
A short history of Toledo...
Toledo is located on a hill above the Tagus River in central Spain. It's a city with breathtaking architecture and rich history going back 2000 years. Toledo has been influenced by Christian, Islamic, and Jewish civilizations that have thrived within its ancient walls.
Toledo's beginning dates back to Roman times when it was known as Toletum. The city's fortunes took a dramatic turn during the Visigothic period when Toledo became the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom in the 6th century. Under King Leovigild and later King Reccared, the Visigoths converted to Catholic Christianity, marking Toledo as an important center of Christian worship and governance.
One of Toledo's most celebrated chapters occured during Islamic rule. In 711, Muslim forces captured the city, bringing in an era of Islamic culture, learning, and architectural splendor. The Great Mosque of Toledo, an architectural masterpiece, was constructed during this time. Toledo became a beacon of knowledge and a melting pot of cultures, where scholars from different backgrounds collaborated and preserved the wisdom of antiquity.
The Christian Reconquista, a series of campaigns to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Islamic rule, reached Toledo in 1085 when it was retaken by King Alfonso VI of León and Castile. This marked the beginning of Toledo's Christian era, during which it continued to flourish culturally and artistically. The city's religious landscape was transformed with the construction of magnificent Christian churches, including the monumental Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece.
During these times, Toledo's Jewish community thrived, contributing to the city's cultural diversity. Toledo was known for its intellectual and religious exchanges among Christians, Muslims, and Jews, bringing with it an atmosphere of tolerance and coexistence.
A City of Art, Architecture, and Exploration
Toledo has many places to explore. You'll want to visit the Cathedral of Toledo to view El Transparente, admire the views from the Alcázar, and admire the paintings by El Greco at the El Greco Museum. As you enjoy exploring the city, make sure you spend time walking the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter and the ancient city walls.