Toledo a historical and cultural centre for both La Mancha area and Spain itself. Its fame as the city of three cultures is not anything less than what it actually is, as it has been successively occupied (and influenced) by Muslims, Jews and Christians. Today, Toledo is a regional capital, but with such a well-preserved beauty and history, that it never stops to amaze the unsuspecting traveller.

The city of Toledo was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. The city’s status passed from being a Roman town, to capital of the Visigoth kingdom, fortress of the Cordoba emirate, city of El Greco until finally identified as the city of Three Cultures. In the XVI century, it was the temporary seat of the supreme power under the reign of the Emperor Charles V, and the city was declared “Imperial and crowned city”. Its monuments are still considered masterpieces of art of different civilizations, balancing both contrasts and  harmonies in a XXI century city.

This seminar will introduce and explain important features of the Roman-Catholic, Muslim and Jewish past of Toledo. Taking a closer look at these features will provide material for critical thinking and understanding better our common European origins. It will help us identify with human destiny by continuing to learn about the stories of people who were challenged, persevered, went missing, but finally overcame and thrived, hoping that this rich and varied history will help us better discover our own identities.

Throughout the course, we will comprehend how three cultures-three religions, were able to live together enriching themselves culturally thanks to that coexistence.