Description of the attraction
The Alcazar is a majestic stone fortress located in Toledo on a hill and visible from any part of the city. Built in the 3rd century by the Romans as a palace fortress, the Alcazar is one of the oldest city buildings with a rich and interesting history. In the 16th century, during the reign of the Catholic kings, during the reign of Charles I and Philip II, the fortress was restored and renovated under the leadership of the architect Alonso de Covarrubius. Since then, it has been used as a royal residence. In 1521, within the walls of the Alcazar, King Charles I received Hernan Cortés after his conquest of the Aztecs.
During the Spanish Civil War, in September 1936, the Alcazar, led by Colonel José Moscardo Ituarte, resisted the siege of Republican troops. Trying to break the resistance of the besieged, the Republicans captured the son of Jose Moscardo and, threatening him with reprisals, demanded the surrender of the Alcazar. The colonel refused, after which his son Louis was killed. The siege of the Alcazar brought many casualties. These events have become a symbol of Spanish nationalism for residents. That is why it was decided to name the newspaper of the right-wing forces, which began at that time, El Alcazar.
The building of the fortress was seriously damaged during this war. After its completion, after some time, the restoration of the Alcazar was carried out, and the building was able to return to the appearance that it had under King Charles I. Today it houses the Army Museum and the Library belonging to the autonomous community of La Mancha.
