From architecture to religion, politics to cuisine, Toledo has combined it's local cultures to make this city a unique and exciting place to visit.
While the rest of the world saw Jews fighting Islam and Christians fighting everyone, Toledo learned to live and work together in relative peace.
This is evident in the buildings built by Jews for the Islamic people on Christian lands.
This mix of cultures holds true in the dining experience for the traveler as well.
The local people were not big on farming as in most of Europe.
For centuries hunting and gathering provided delicious meals that are still widely eaten today by locals and readily available in restaurants throughout the city.
Toledo is known worldwide for one very famous concoction.
Toledo Marzipan is sold throughout the world.
When visiting Toledo it is a must to try this tasty confection.
Marzipan consists primarily of egg, sugar and almond meal.
Marzipan is traditionally shaped into animals and sold as mini works of art.
In the era of Leonardo da Vinci he is quoted as saying "I have observed with pain, that my signor Ludovico and his court gobble up all the sculptures I give them, right to the last morsel, and now I am determined to find other means that do not taste as good, so that my works may survive.
" (Notes on Cuisine, 1470) Another famous dish found in Toledo is estofada de perdiz, a casserole made of wild partridge.
Another popular dish made with wild partridge is judias con perdiz, a bean and partridge stew.
Wild game is served in many of the restaurants.
My personal favorite is La Abdia in the old quarter.
Here you will find an imaginative menu with traditional foods served with a friendly smile.
Like the rest of this historical city, the food has not changed much in centuries.
Hotel restaurants in Toledo are not to be ignored either.
A nice romantic dinner at the terrace of one of the luxury hotels in Toledo with view of the city at night is the best way to finish the day.
Any time of year you will find the highest concentration of restaurants, nightlife and activity on Calle Alfilleritos.
Here is where you will find the spicier side of Toledo for a night of music and dancing.
If you are in Toledo during the festival of The Feast of Corpus Christi you will see Toledo's most extravagant fiesta.
Decorations begin lining the streets five weeks before the procession which is in May or June.
Since the 1300's this festival has held an important part of Toledo's culture.
With plenty of sights, sounds and tastes, Toledo Spain is a must see for the traveler to Spain.