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Having finally got round to revisiting Toledo, more than thirty
years after the previous visit, I withdraw my comments about
"undiscovered" La Mancha. In the intervening period it has
evolved from sleepy old city to tourist trap on a scale to compete
with Versailles, I can only assume due to its proximity to Madrid
and, I concede its rather spectacular position atop a hill
surrounded by the River Tagus.
But still, compared with Segovia, a similar
day trip-able distance from the capital and with arguably even more
impressive panoramas (coincidentally also from the Parador on the
hill opposite), not to mention Roman aqueduct etc...Just goes to
show the power of marketing!
I suppose I should be grateful that the
hideous hordes, illegal handbag salesman, rip-off prices and general
(by Spanish standards) hostility have not spread further.
So, on the positive side, picturesque, even
dramatic views of the city and a good place to get your bearings if
you drive up to the Parador for a drink or even dinner as the sun
sets over the city. Actually worth staying the night if you
feel like indulging, but be warned, although this is a lovely hotel
with swimming pool, very comfortable rooms, nice restaurants and
bar, it is a relatively new building (1970's) not one of the amazing
renovated castles. All the panorama photographs were taken
either in the early morning or evening from the Parador.
Plenty to see even if you do have to pay
through the nose for the cathedral, plus the standard restaurants,
bars and cafes which make Spain such an incredibly civilised place
to wander about. |
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