Toledo, España: El Cuarto Día

The students had an early morning hour drive to the local city of Toledo, where they were introduced to their guide Inmaculada, who lives locally within the older part of the city. Toledo is known as the “City of the Three Cultures”, due to the historical coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

The beginning of the tour started with a marvelous overview of the city that attracted numerous tourist and photo sessions from the students (local hotspot for selfies). Then a brief stop by Suarez Sword Factory, famous for the making of swords and blacked steeled objects filled with gold. The creation process of the steeled objects is called damasquinado, which involves gold threads being hammered into the steel, giving the black steel a presence of color and high value. Students were able to witness a brief demonstration of how both items were created and then given an opportunity to purchase them.

After climbing up the mountains (really riding multiple escalators), the students entered into a preserved era of time with historical heritage and meaning. The cobblestone streets were built by the Moors, to help massage your feet while walking, but for most students caused more discomfort and quick aging than relief. Arriving at la Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, students were given an in depth tour and explanation of the numerous artworks, architectural structure, and religious influences within the cathedral. A main focus by the students was El Transparente, which uses natural light from outside to illuminate the tabernacle and was said to be when heaven touches earth.

Students revisited pieces of artwork from El Greco within La Iglesia de Santo Tomé, which housed his most famous masterpiece, “El entierro del Conde de Orgaz”. Afterwards, the students walked down to the Synagogue de Santa Maria, where their guide informed them that the Muslims built this infrastructure to protect the Jews from the Christians and upon one pillar, they placed the Star of David in honor of the Jews.

Diner was located in La Sidra, which produces apple cider locally within the restaurant. Students had a three course meal, which included soup, chicken with potatoes, and dessert. Some students tried following the traditional way of pouring the sidra (cider) before drinking with their meal.