Mazapán de Toledo is a type of marzipan (a type of Mexican candy) that is made in Toledo. Marzipan was brought to Spain during the medieval ages by the Arabs. This confection is made by kneading and peeling almonds with sugar until they are a paste consistency that is then molded and baked. Even today Spaniards make Mazapán de Toledo with the production rules that were used in the 16th century. If you are looking for a sweet treat while roaming the streets of Toldeo, try seeking out this confection.
Carcamusa is a traditional Spanish dish that originated from Toledo in the 1950s. As shown above, this dish is a combination of meat and vegetables into a delicious stew. They can add chorizo, bell peppers, tomato, garlic, peas, and many other ingredients. Some people use pork and some choose to use beef, primarily pork, but you can not go wrong with either. If you are a fan of chili, you may want to check this dish out after a long day of exploring as it is often referred to as “The Spanish Chili”.
Toledo, a city steeped in history and charm, stands majestically atop the hills of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. Its legacy traces back to ancient times, shaping it into a melting pot of cultures and civilizations that have left an indelible mark on its cobbled streets and imposing architecture.
The origin of Toledo fades into the mists of time. It is believed to have been a city inhabited by Iberians, Celts, and Romans before the arrival of the Visigoths in the 6th century, who made it their capital. During this period, Toledo experienced a cultural flourishing with the construction of magnificent buildings, such as the Church of San Juan Bautista, which still stands as the hermitage of San Juan de los Reyes.
However, Toledo’s history became even richer with the arrival of the Muslims in 711. For nearly three centuries, the city flourished under Islamic rule, becoming a significant cultural and economic center. The Muslim presence left a lasting impact on Toledo’s architecture, gastronomy, and poetry.
The Reconquista marked a crucial chapter in the city’s history. In 1085, King Alfonso VI reconquered Toledo for Christianity, restoring its status as a Christian stronghold. This period witnessed the construction of the majestic Toledo Cathedral, an architectural testament to the city’s transition from Islamic to Christian influence. The blend of architectural styles in the city, from Arabic to Gothic, serves as a visual reminder of its diverse heritage.
During the Middle Ages, Toledo became a crucible of knowledge and wisdom. The city was home to the famous School of Translators of Toledo, where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish scholars collaborated to translate classical Greek and Roman works into Latin and Arabic. This cultural exchange not only enriched the European knowledge library but also laid the foundation for the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious communities.
The flourishing continued during the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th century when Toledo became a significant cultural and artistic center. Painters like El Greco established themselves in the city, leaving an artistic legacy still appreciated in places like the Museum of El Greco. The narrow streets of Toledo host numerous artisan workshops preserving ancient techniques for crafting swords and ceramic objects, breathing life into the city’s artisanal heritage.
Toledo’s history is also marked by its strategic importance. During the Spanish Civil War, the city became a crucial battleground. Blood and tears soaked the ancient walls as the city resisted the onslaught of conflict. The Alcántara Bridge, overlooking the Tajo River, stood as a silent witness to turbulent times.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo remains a living testament to the cultural and architectural richness accumulated over the centuries. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter, explore the Alcázar, or marvel at the symphony of architectural styles in the cathedral. The city is like an open book, where each corner tells a story intertwined with the history of Spain and Europe.
In conclusion, Toledo’s history is an epic unfolding over the centuries, weaving a fascinating tapestry of cultures, religions, and conflicts. Nestled deep in the heart of Spain, this city stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, a reminder that within its ancient stones and narrow alleys lie the secrets and narratives of times past.
Bibliography:
De Alcocer, Pedro. History or Description of the Imperial City of Toledo. Maxtor, 2005.
Gargatagli, Marietta. “The history of Toledo School of Translators.” Journal of Translate, vol. 4, 1999, pp. 9–13.
The Royal Chapel is a well known building in Granada and was constructed around the year 1515. It is the site where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella I were buried and they were both important figures in Spain’s history. They were also the ones who called for its construction as they had decided that they wanted Granada to be their final resting place. The chapel was also dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist who hold high religious significance. Once Emperor Charles I came into power the chapel was decorated even further and had its institutions and foundations improved upon. Ferdinand VI later on would also realize its importance and seek to improve upon it. Improvements would continue to be made throughout history in order to restore it to its prime condition. It is now a very popular tourist attraction and has regular tours throughout its interior. The Royal Chapel was made in a particular gothic style calledIsabel and features many unique decorations and ornaments inside. The walls and doors also have a great amount of detail to them as well. Panels are present in the chapel which depict many different religious artworks. Paintings and pictures are also present which depict religious figures and important figures in the history of Spain such as Ferdinand or Isabella. Tourists are able to explore the majority of the rooms in the chapel which all contain little bits of historical facts about the chapel. If anyone gets the chance to visit through the study abroad program, they should visit because it is an amazing opportunity to learn more about Spain.
Granada is home of the Alhambra which is a popular tourist attraction for people to visit. The Alhambra is a famous palace and fortress which was built on top of the Sabika hill and has an expansive history. The complex was originally ordered to be created by Muhammad I however it was not completed by him and instead was continued to be worked on during the reigns of Yusuf I and Muhammad V. Afterwards in 1526 Charles V commissioned a palace to be built in a renaissance style which messed with the design of the Alhambra. It was not completed however and was left to sit and decay for a few centuries while random people would come and go as they pleased from the interior. Napoleon the First’s troops found the building following his defeat and they decided to destroy parts of it which worsened its state. Later on it became a famous location in Spain for people to visit and study in order to learn more about it.
The Alhambra itself was built by using various materials such as concrete, brick, wood, and plaster. It spans about 35 acres total and features two entrances, The Pavilion Main Entrance and The Gate of Justice Entrance. Tourists are able to explore the courtyard, throne room, and a majority of the total 35 acres if they so wish. Carved tile-work and fountains are common throughout the whole site which is very beautiful to see in person. The architecture is a great demonstration of the renaissance style and is a must visit for anyone visiting via the study abroad program.
Long before King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile made Spain one whole kingdom in 1479, Seville had been occupied by several distinct civilizations from throughout the Mediterranean Area over the course of centuries. The diverse cultural and political legacies which they left behind have strongly impacted the unique and evocative identity which Seville has cultivated both as a city and as part of the modern nation-state of Spain. While I cannot hope to do the full story justice in a few hundred words, It is still my hope to weave the narrative of Seville’s pre-Spanish history into a beautiful enough weave to attract your eyes and interests in the city of today.
Seville began as an Iron Age settlement of Iberians whose access to a wealth of precious regional ores, alongside its strong trade connections with colonists from Phoenicia, Greece, and Carthage, let the settlement prosper over the long term (DK Publishing . Said prosperity partly incentivized the Romans to invade Spain, winning a strategic victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Alcalá del Río in 206 BC. (DK Publishing 39, 42) Six years later, the Romans took complete control of southern Spain; they changed the name of the Iberian settlement to Hispalis and established it as an administrative center of the province of Baetica (DK Publishing 42). In this capacity, the prosperity of Hispalis benefitted Rome and its empire for approximately seven centuries (DK Publishing 42-43).
Castile would hold on to Seville for the remainder of the Medieval Period. Ferdinand III’s son, Alfonso X (1252-1284 AD), would conquer much of the rest of Andalusia during his reign. Further down the line, Pedro I (1350-1369 AD) enlisted Mudejares (Moorish craftsmen allowed to remain in Spain due to their talent) to construct a palace for him in 1364 AD; their finished work, the Reales Alcazares, bears the trademark Islamic influence of their architectural designs (DK Publishing 22, 46-47, 80-81).
Of course, the Seville’s history has continued over the following centuries into the present day, and its various cultural, social, political and economic identities are far livelier than those of the bygone civilizations who once occupied it. However, knowing what Seville once was to the peoples of the ancient and medieval worlds should only help us to better understand and appreciate what Seville is to our own. May you be inspired hereby to increase your understanding of this history at the source itself!
Works Cited:
DK Publishing. Seville and Anadalusia. First American ed., edited by Anna Streiffert et al., 1996.
Williams, Mark R. The Story of Spain: The Dramatic History of Europe’s Most Fascinating Country. 1990. First American ed., Golden Era Books, 2004.
≈ Comments Off on Spain’s Comfort Food: Tortilla de patata
Tortilla de patata is both delicious and ubiquitous in Spain. As you can see from the picture below, it is a dish made primarily of potatoes and egg. Among Spaniards, however, you can spark a debate about whether or not to add onion as well (grocery stores offer it premade both with and without cebolla). Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong either way.
