Santo Tomé Obrador de Mazapán
Whether or not they invented it (some say it was originally an Arab treat), the nuns of Toledo began making the confection of ground almonds, sugar, and eggs known as mazapán in the 13th century. A flour shortage following the battle of las Navas de Tolosa forced them to improvise to feed a hungry population. The convent of San Clemente, Calle San Clemente, 1, claims to be the original source, using the enviable tagline “marzipan and home-made pastries since 1212.” If you ring the bell, you’ll be buzzed in, and presently a nun will appear behind a grilled hatch. You can buy a range of pre-packaged boxes of marzipan and other sweetmeats from around 20€. In truth, you can get better value—and perhaps better quality too—at the more commercial outlets in town. Santo Tomé, competing with nuns since 1856, allows you to assemble your own assortment from the display cases—or just buy one piece for a quick shot of sugar. The Plaza de Zocodover location is known for extravagant mazapán sculptures in the main display window.
Whether or not they invented it (some say it was originally an Arab treat), the nuns of Toledo began making the confection of ground almonds, sugar, and eggs known as mazapán in the 13th century. A flour shortage following the battle of las Navas de Tolosa forced them to improvise to feed a hungry population. The convent of San Clemente, Calle San Clemente, 1, claims to be the original source, using the enviable tagline “marzipan and home-made pastries since 1212.” If you ring the bell, you’ll be buzzed in, and presently a nun will appear behind a grilled hatch. You can buy a range of pre-packaged boxes of marzipan and other sweetmeats from around 20€. In truth, you can get better value—and perhaps better quality too—at the more commercial outlets in town. Santo Tomé, competing with nuns since 1856, allows you to assemble your own assortment from the display cases—or just buy one piece for a quick shot of sugar. The Plaza de Zocodover location is known for extravagant mazapán sculptures in the main display window.
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