The stunning medieval city of Toledo is a cultural gem. With an astounding number of historical and cultural sites and monuments, Toledo has earned its rightful place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These well-preserved treasures serve as a modern-day guide to Toledo's distinguished past, providing students with a rich and rewarding study abroad experience.

Toledo is located in central Spain, about 70km southwest of the current capital of Madrid. It has a climate typical of inland areas, with warm-to-hot summers and considerably cold winters. Heat waves in the deep summer months and snowfalls in winter months are not uncommon.

Toledo's intriguing past includes a centuries-long tenure as the capital of Visigothic Spain, which ended in the 8th century when the Moors conquered Iberia. A rich cultural heritage emerged from the period known as "La Convivencia," when Jewish, Christian and Muslim people lived together in relative accord. Lasting from the Moorish conquest to the end of the 15th century, this period left its mark in the form of beautiful mosques, synagogues and churches still standing today.

Toledo also became a center of art and learning at this time. The world-renowned painter El Greco moved from Rome to Toledo in 1577 and spent his remaining years there until his death in 1614. Here, he created his best-known works, such as the "Adoration of the Shepherds" and the "Burial of the Count of Orgaz," which still hangs on the wall of the Church of Santo Tome in Toledo. The Museo de Santa Cruz houses an impressive collection of El Greco's works, as well as paintings by Goya and Ribera.

During the 11th century, the Arab mathematician and astronomer Arzachel created countless astronomical instruments while living in Toledo, including an astrolabe that could be used at any latitude. Alfonso X, King of Leon and Castile from 1252-1282 and a follower of Arzachel's work, made further advances in the astronomical sciences by directing the preparation of the famous planetary tables that bear his name, the "Alphonsine Tables." During Alfonso's reign, Toledo was a leading producer of iron and steel swords, and the country's unparalleled reputation for creating quality weaponry and knives continues today. The local markets offer an assortment of swords, as well as other handcrafted goods, such as marzipan and damascene jewelry, which features gold or silver designs set against a dark background.

Continuing in the tradition of educational excellence, Toledo is home to both local colleges and campuses of foreign institutions. Spanish language and culture schools abound, as well as schools preparing students to teach English as a Second Language. Located in a 16th century convent in the heart of historical district, the Fundacion Jose Ortega y Gasset offers a wide range of courses in anthropology, art history, literature, history, politics and economics, and all courses are taught in Spanish. American students may apply for short- or long-term programs and internship placements at this institution Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad.

The University of Castilla-La Mancha in the heart of Toledo is the town's largest university, boasting a student population of 7,000. Students are housed in classical buildings that seem hardly touched by time, yet provide all the necessary modern amenities. Language programs, as well as programs in law, humanities, economics, business and physical education are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students interested in hospitality, hotel and restaurant management or culinary arts attend the highly-regarded Escuela Superior de Gastronomia y Hosteleria.

The Plaza de Zocodover marks the center of the old quarter, and is the site of Toledo's open air market and many of its fiestas, making it a popular meeting spot for students. Packed with cafes and shops, the medieval street of Calle Santo Tome is a bustling hub of activity where students can take a break from their studies and sample some of the local cuisine, such as queso manchego, a mature cheese made from ewe's milk.

Toledo has something to offer students of all levels and fields of study. The city's enchanting medieval character and the pride of the local people in the city's past and present is sure to make for an enriching and exciting study abroad experience.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
Municipality of Toledo: www.ayto-toledo.org
Tourism Portal of Toledo: www.toledo-turismo.com

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