The old part of the city is a labyrinth of narrow streets that either go up or down; no street is level and no street is straight. It was fun to just walk for a while and then try to figure out where you were. We discovered that Bronson has a great sense of direction. Matthew and Bronson went to Mass at the cathedral. Afterward, Bronson led the way back to our apartment while Matthew tried to figure out where they were on the map.
Toledo is nicknamed the City of Three Cultures. For centuries, Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together (until the Spanish Inquisition - OUCH). The historical architecture is an integration of different cultures. Our apartment was next door to the Mosque of Christ and around the corner from the Gate of the Sun.
Integration isn't the first thing I think of when there is a specific Jewish section of town. I guess you had to be there back then to know what "living together" really meant.
The walls of the city, the gates, the monuments, and the buildings were really well-maintained (and being maintained). It also seems they are making an effort to vitalize the parks around the city - especially along the river.
For my birthday, Matthew and the kids treated me to a walk along the river and all the way around the city.
I wasn't very keen on the modern sculptures sprinkled around the city. They didn't fit in and sometimes they detracted from the historic feeling. Kids will be kids; they enjoyed climbing on the sculptures.
We loved our apartment in Toledo. It was modern, classy, comfortable, and an awesome use of space. I don't typically recommend places of business because different people have different likes and dislikes. I recommend this apartment: http://www.alojatoledo.com/. I can't think of anything to dislike about it - great space (for up to 6 people), great decor, great location, and great price.
Lots more photos from Toledo:
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