Drifting in Toledo
Madrid, the capital of Spain? That wasn't always the case. Once, the city of Toledo, located a little further south, held that title. Here, Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived side by side in close quarters, people bustled about, and culture flourished. The streets of the hilltop city are still bustling today, even though King Philip II revoked its capital status in 1561. Now, it's mainly tourist groups from all over the world who make their way up and down the steep streets to see Muslim architecture, the Jewish Quarter, or the Alcázar, the city's fortress.
Anyone needing a break from all that will be happy to have booked a room at the "Hotel Áurea." Located in an alley at the foot of the cathedral, you'll quickly find yourself away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel is housed in a traditional Toledo house arranged around an idyllic courtyard. The history of the city, which today is the capital of the Castile-La Mancha region, is evident not only in the architecture and the massive walls. During renovations, old murals were discovered in one of the rooms, which can be viewed if the room is unoccupied.
If you're already planning for next year, there's always a weekend of open patios between May and June. Many houses open their doors and offer glimpses into their often artistically designed courtyards, adorned with plants.
Áurea Toledo, Bajada Pozo Amargo 7, 45002 Toledo Spain, Tel. 0034/825 76 19 10DZ from 78 euros/night.
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