Toledo
« The street of Toledo are extremely narrow : we could hold hands from one window to another » -Théophile Gautier
Toledo is one of Spain’s oldest and most unique cities and is just an hour from Madrid. It was made a World Heritage Site in 1986.
It was known as the “Imperial City” because Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor held his court there until 1560 when it was moved to Madrid. You may also hear it called the “City of Three Cultures” because it was inhabited by, and influenced by Christians, Jews and Muslims. This compact city, which was Spain’s capital until 1560, is bursting with history, cultural festivals and authentic food.
Toledo’s historic centre is full of ancient landmarks. Make sure you don’t miss the huge Alcázar stone fortification, or Toledo’s Cathedral, the Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo.
Make sure you try some of Toledo’s marzipan which is famous for the way it’s cut into animal shapes such as pigs and bears, or get your own souvenir sword at one of Toledo’s souvenir shops!
Activities
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Alcantara Bridge, Toledo, Spain
Spanning the length of the Tagus River in Toledo, this arched Roman bridge provided the only way into the city during the Middle Ages.
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Alcázar de Toledo, Toledo, Spain
The Alcázar of Toledo is a stone fortification in the highest part of the Spanish city which gives you a breathtaking view.
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Army Museum, Toledo, Spain
The Army Museum of Toledo was opened in 2010 and is located inside the Alcázar fortress. It offers a unique insight into Spain's military past and also contains remains of old Roman and medieval constructions.
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Historic City of Toledo, Spain
Toledo is just one hour south of the capital city Madrid. It is a historic city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 because of its extensive monumental and cultural heritage.
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Iglesia de Santo Tomé, Toledo, Spain
Located in the historical centre of Toledo, this 12th-century Christian church perfectly embodies the fusion of cultures within Medieval Spain.
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Mirador del Valle, Toledo
To get a picture-perfect view of Toledo, you cannot miss a visit to this viewpoint.
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Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, Toledo
This site was built in the heart of the Jewish quarter by Catholic Monarchs Isabel and Fernando between 1476 and 1504 to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Toro and demonstrate the authority of their faith.
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Museo del Greco, Toledo
The museum was opened in Toledo’s Jewish quarter in 1911 to celebrate the work of El Greco, a Greek-born artist.
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Museo del Queso Manchego, Toledo, Spain
Check out this great culinary stop-over in the heart of the Historic Quarter in Toledo.
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Puerta de Bisagra, Toledo
Toledo is a heavily fortified, walled city with many different city gates.
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San Martin's Bridge, Toledo
Wander along this pedestrian bridge to get a great view of Toledo and the River Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca, Toledo
The synagogue, now a museum, is a Mudéjar construction built by Moorish architects in 1180.
