Toledo's history stretches back to Roman times, but it was under the Visigoths that it first rose to prominence. Later, under Moorish rule, Toledo flourished as a center of culture and learning, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted relatively peacefully. This period left an indelible mark on the city's architecture and intellectual life. In 1085, Alfonso VI of Castile captured Toledo, marking a turning point in the Reconquista.
The city became the capital of Castile and a vital center for the translation of Arabic and Hebrew texts, contributing to the revival of classical knowledge in Europe. During the Spanish Golden Age, Toledo was a major artistic center, home to the famous painter El Greco. Although the capital eventually moved to Madrid, Toledo has remained a symbol of Spanish history and cultural identity.