TheAlcázar of Toledo is an impressive building that represents Spanish Renaissance architecture. The important archaeological remains discovered inside show the Roman origin of the construction on one of the highest promontories in Toledo.
With the arrival and establishment of the Visigoths, Toledo became Urbis Regia and the old Roman Praetorium would be the royal residence. In medieval times, the surface of the current Alcázar would correspond to a defensive and military fortification integrated within the al-hizam. The origins of the fortress date back to the 10th century, when an “al-Qasr” to protect the citadel of Tulaytulah. This place was essential for the surveillance of the territories adjacent to Toledo and the defense of the city itself. Once Toledo was reconquered by the troops of King Alfonso VI in 1085, the fortress became part of the city. It also had a palatial function, being used as the royal residence of the successive kings of Castile who little by little modified and expanded it to adapt it to the new needs that arose. It is known that there existed There is also a keep built during the reign of Enrique II of Trastámara, although it was left behind. Destroyed during the confrontation between Emperor Charles and the commoners of Castile around 1523. The fortress was left in ruins. It was in a ruinous state after this conflict, and once the community revolt was quelled, a the construction of a new Renaissance-style palace more in line with the tastes of the Austrians. Charles I and his royal architect are responsible for the current appearance of the building; following the plans and layouts of Alonso de Covarrubias, although his work was continued by the architect Villalpando and completed by Juan de Herrera later.
The transfer of the court to Madrid in 1561 during the reign of Philip II, gradually led to the deterioration of this great royal residence, which even though it was in use, gradually lost importance. over time, suffering significant damage in 1710 during the War of Succession after the end of the Austrian dynasty. Since its complete reconstruction in the 18th century, it had different uses although it once again returned to the city. It was destroyed after the French occupation in 1810. From the eastern period, its use was related to military use, when another fire devastated the city. all dependencies. One of the key moments in the history of the Alcázar was the siege suffered for more than 70 days in the Spanish Civil War.
Since 2010, the Alcázar building has housed the collection of the National Army Museum. Thanks to the works to adapt the facilities, archaeological remains from different periods have been excavated and valued, helping to understand the chronology of the building.
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