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If you're interested in the best things to do in Toledo, take a look at this overview. We will tell you about what to see in Toledo will be interesting for a person of any age.
What to see in Toledo first of all?
When compiling our rating of “interesting places in Toledo”, we took into account the recommendations and reviews of the Spaniards and experienced guides. In our common opinion, every tourist should pay attention to such excursions in Toledo as:
1. Alcazar Palace
The Alcazar Castle overlooking the city of Toledo
Medieval defensive structure located in the upper part of the city. At one time, this palace was a haven for the royal families of Castile. The building is a symbol of nationalism in Spain. Now it houses a library and a military museum. Such attractions in Toledo should be visited even if your trip is only a few days.
2. Cathedral of St. Mary
The main facade of the Cathedral of St. Mary and the Archbishop's Palace (left) on the Town Hall Square Querubin Saldaña
Gothic architectural monument of great cultural and religious significance for the entire state. The cathedral was built on an ancient Roman foundation. The date of completion of the construction of the temple is the 15th century. The building impresses with its grandeur both outside and inside. The interiors are represented by elegant stained-glass windows of the 14th-16th centuries and 88 luxurious columns. Inside are paintings by Rubens and Raphael, Titian and other great artists. No less interesting is the room of priests' robes. This ancient cathedral is included in any list of “top attractions in Spain“.
3. Puerta del Sol
Massive stone gate Puerta del Sol or the 14th century Gate of the Sun in Toledo santiago lopez-pastor
A 14th century construction made by the Knights of Malta in the Moorish style. In the Middle Ages, it was part of the defensive complex of the city. Above the entrance arch you can see illustrations from the life of St. Ildefonso (archbishop, especially revered by the townspeople in previous centuries).
4. Bisagra Gate
Statue of Charles V and a large coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty on the gates of Bisagra Ecelan
Date of construction – 16th century. Initially, the gate was an independent defensive citadel. The outer part of Bisagra is decorated with several cylindrical towers with green and white tiled roofs, the center is a giant stone eagle with two heads. Guides in Toledo are able to tell many wonderful facts about this ancient structure.
5. Alcantara Bridge
The ancient Alcantara Bridge over the Tagus River at the foot of the San Servanando Castle in the city of Toledo
Until the 13th century, the construction was the only possible way to cross the Tagus River into the city. According to legends, the bridge was built in the 9th century – it was subjected to numerous destructions and reconstructions. At the beginning of the 20th century, the object was awarded the status of an architectural monument.
6. St. Martin's Bridge
Medieval arch bridge of Saint Martin with towers over the Tagus River in Toledo
An arched structure built in the 13th-14th centuries at the direction of Archbishop Tenorio. In the 16th century, the bridge was reinforced on each side with beautiful stone towers. The structure is supported by five powerful arches. If you want to see the best sights of Toledo, come here – the view of the historical part of the city is unique.
7. City Hall
Tourists at the City Hall in Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Toledo
The construction of the Municipal City Hall began in the 17th century: the work stretched over many decades. The building in the style of “classicism” is distinguished by graceful forms, simple lines and symmetry. If you do not know what to visit in Toledo, but are passionate about architecture, your trip here will be the best solution.
8. Sokodover Square
Numerous cafes on the lively Socodover Square in the center of Toledo Lourdes Cardenal
The location of the attraction is the territory of the former Arab bazaar. At the end of the 16th century, Sokodover burned down almost entirely. The authorities reconstructed it only in the 19th century. Today, it is here that the most famous tourist routes begin. Various events are regularly held on the square: from performances by musicians to fairs and folk festivals.
9. San Servando Castle
The 14th-century San Servando Castle on top of a hill descending to the Tagus River in Toledo
On the Tahoe coast, at a strategic height, is a grandiose medieval palace. Its loopholes and towers are decorated with rectangular crenellations, and the brick windows are decorated with ornaments and reliefs. The building is made of discreet gray stone, but still has a majestic and imposing appearance.
Official website: http://juventud.
10. Monastery San Juan de los Reyes
The inner garden of the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, surrounded by a covered bypass gallery
Church of the Franciscans of the 15th century, located in the north-west of the city. A striking example of late Spanish Gothic. The complex includes a chic chapel with a vault and a nave. On the facade of San Juan de los Reyes, you can see the chains of Christians who were rescued from the captivity of the Mauritanians.
Official website: http://www.sanjuandelosreyes
11. Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca
The white color of the interior of the synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca in Toledo E.marber
In the Jewish quartile there is a temple formed from an ancient synagogue. The date of construction of the synagogue itself is the 12th century. The building with graceful columns is open to the public, despite the fact that it has already lost its religious purpose.
12. Synagogue del Transito
Modern view of the 14th century synagogue del Transito in Toledo Selbymay
Ceiling of the Synagogue del Transito in Toledo Windwhistler
Date of creation – 14th century. The architectural masterpiece is decorated with curved arched windows, inscriptions in Hebrew and Arabic, original floral and geometric prints, and other recognizable elements of the Moorish style. After the Jews were expelled from the country in 1492, the synagogue passed into the possession of the knights. Today, there is a museum complex with the works of the famous sculptor and artist El Greco (he himself never lived here).
Official website: http://www.culturaydeporte
13. Church of Santo Tome
The bell tower of the church of Santo Tome in the Jewish quarter of Toledo José Luis Filpo Cabana
El Greco's Burial of Count Orgas in Santo Tome Church Gary R. Caldwell
Modest in size temple of the 12th century, located near the Jewish quarter. In the 14th century, Count Orgaz ordered the reconstruction of the building, and now it is made in the Gothic and Mudéjar styles. Inside the church, you can see a work called “The Burial of Count Orgaz” – one of the most famous creations of El Greco.
14. Church of San Ildefonso
Beautiful facade of the Church of San Ildefonso in Toledo Yildori
Baroque cathedral 17-18 centuries. At one time, 5 architects worked on the creation of the complex at once (for hundreds of years). Even after the church was consecrated, various structures continued to be attached to it. In the early years, the object belonged to the Jesuits, then received the status of a parish church, and in 1930 returned to the representatives of the Jesuit Order. If you don't know what to see in Toledo in 1 day, come here. The history of the church is really interesting.
15. Cristo de la Luz Mosque
Northwest façade and added Mudéjar apse of Cristo de la Church Luz
A 10th century building designed by one of the greatest Arab architects of his era. Along with other Muslim mosques, it was rebuilt into a church for Christians. Inside are unique frescoes from the 13th century.
16. El Greco Museum
Saint Apostles Painting Gallery at El Greco Museum in Toledo Tim Adams
For a long time the artist lived in the Jewish quarter of the city. The authorities of Toledo arranged a museum in his house, recreating the unique atmosphere of past centuries. The expositions present the works of the master himself, as well as other creators. Guests are invited to admire the paintings, ceramics, furnishings and personal items of El Greco.
Official website: http://www.culturaydeporte
17. Santa Museum -Cruz
Moorish-style courtyard of the Santa Cruz Museum in the center of a two-story arched gallery Jose Luis Filpo Cabana
The complex is located in a building that once served as a hospital. The building was built in the Renaissance style of pink sandstone. The main marble staircase, luxurious carvings, rich columns – all this is just a small part of the attraction's decor. The main value of Santa Cruz are dozens of paintings by El Greco's hands stored here. If you don't know where to go in Toledo, but are passionate about painting, by all means come here.
18. Templar Museum
Exhibit at the Museum of the Knights Templar in Toledo Contando Estrelas
Information booth at the Museum of the Knights Templar in Toledo Contando Estrelas
Visiting the Museum of the Knights Templar in Toledo, you can admire the recreated atmosphere of bygone times. Stands and paintings, as well as a film will tell about the history of the legendary and powerful Knights Templar.
19. Museum of the Inquisition and Torture
Iron Maiden – Instrument of Torture Angel Aroca Escáme
Talking briefly about the main attractions of Toledo, it is necessary to mention this unique museum. Its samples are located in five rooms, and tell about the formation, development and completion of such a phenomenon as the Inquisition. The exhibits offered for inspection: garrote and guillotine, chastity belts and shameful masks, presses for squeezing the head and limbs, and other terrible instruments of torture that civil and religious courts used to torture the accused. People with a weak psyche should refuse to visit such a museum.
20. Museum of the Spanish Army
Miniatures: troops of Queen Isabel II, Royal Palace of Madrid in the Museum of the Spanish Army Eunostos
If you want to know how the armament of the state developed and how the Spanish military history developed, come here. The interiors are decorated with heraldic shields created by Velazquez (rare examples of this type of creative activity of the master).
Sights of Toledo: what else to visit in Toledo?
If you have already seen all those sights of Toledo, photo with the names and descriptions of which we have given, we recommend that you visit the following objects of history and culture:
21. Tavera Hospital
Three-storey building of Tavera Hospital made of granite in the style of the Florentine Renaissance in the city of Toledo
The Renaissance building, built in 1603, was the first entirely classical building in the state. The complex includes: several columned courtyards, a temple and a castle-museum. Until the middle of the 20th century, the object was in the possession of the Spanish Church. Now it has a private museum with valuable exhibits of the ducal Lermy family: pharmacy samples released in the Middle Ages, paintings by famous painters, hospital archives. The list of paintings includes works by El Greco commissioned by the Duke for the institution.
22. Toledo Train Station
View of the railway station – an architectural monument of the city of Toledo Apfel51
Arriving by train into the city, you will be amazed by the beauty of the magnificent building of the railway station. The building is made in the Mudéjar style, and seems like a Moorish medieval palace. A colorful tower adorned with a clock face adjoins the station. Not only the facade of this “castle” is remarkable, but also its interiors – the furnishings of the premises are as beautiful and luxurious as the decoration in the house of some caliph. Even the best hotels in Toledo sometimes cannot boast such a chic design and exterior.
23. Zoo Safari Fauna Aventura
Funny little meerkats at Safari Zoo Fauna Aventura
Colorful Macaws in Safari Zoo Fauna Aventura
Spanish zoo and landscape complex with a special microclimate and unusual traditions. A full day should be allocated to get acquainted with the local flora. Vegetables, grapes and olive trees grow on the banks of the local river. The mountain peaks are strewn with juniper bushes and covered with oak groves. Thanks to the numerous fragrant plants, the territory always smells of exquisite flowers. Among the inhabitants are birds, most of which are in the Red Book: black vulture, imperial eagle, wild owls.
24. Mirador del Valle observation deck
Panorama to the river, the valley and the historic quarter of Toledo from the observation deck Víctor Fernández Salinas
If you want to see the best panoramas of the city, go beyond Toledo. For example, to this observation deck, popular with travelers and locals. It is located on the ring road encircling the city. Views of historical quarters, mountain peaks, a beautiful valley and a river will open up to your eyes. You can take many memorable photos.
25. Windmill complex
The largest complex of windmills and the castle of Consuegra in the picturesque hills of Spain
In the vicinity of Toledo, silhouettes of windmills made famous by the efforts of Miguel de Cervantes can be seen everywhere. We recommend that you visit the largest mill complex in the country – it is located in a small town called Campo de Criptana. The number of ancient windmills here is a dozen. They have already lost their purpose. Now they are only part of the infrastructure for tourists. Some are offices, others are museums. Every traveler will find an interesting object to see.
Toledo is a hospitable Spanish city, which can be seen during the whole vacation. Think about what objects can captivate you first of all, and buy excursions in advance. Read also about the sights of Barcelona and get inspired for your next trip to Spain.