Toledo, << tuh LEED oh or toh LAY thoh >> (pop. 85,449), is a city in central Spain. It lies on a high hill 41 miles (66 kilometers) southwest of Madrid. The Tagus River flows in a deep ravine around the hill. The city is the capital of Toledo province.
Toledo is a medieval city of narrow, steep, winding streets. It has many historic works of architecture, and the Spanish government has declared the entire city a Spanish national monument. Its architecture shows a strong Moorish influence. Houses rise straight up, many of them without windows facing the streets. A magnificent Gothic cathedral dominates the city. Its tower rises 300 feet (91 meters). Beautiful chapels inside contain many fine paintings and statues. El Greco lived in Toledo, and his home is now a museum for some of his paintings.
Toledo has little industry, but is famous for sabers, firearms, Toledo ware (inlaid steel), and textiles. Its founding date is unknown. Arabs destroyed the city in the 700’s. Alfonso VI, king of Leon and Castile, seized Toledo in 1085 and made it his capital. Philip II made Madrid the capital in 1561.
