Toledo travel guide

 

Toledo is an ancient city set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain listed under UNESCO heritage sites. The capital of the region, it’s known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments in its walled old city. It is also known as a city of three cultures. Toledo is located just under an hour away from Madrid and is easily accessible by public transportation.

Most people visit Toledo for a day trip from Madrid. However, you can stay longer to indulge in the richly historic town. To get the most out of your time in Toledo and save money on the top attractions, mainly the famous 7 emblematic monuments in the city, consider picking up a tourist bracelet from the Tourist Office. It costs €10 and includes entry to many of the attractions mentioned here, otherwise for each attraction the entrance is €3.

WHAT TO DO & SEE

1. Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo

The Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, otherwise known as Toledo Cathedra. The cathedral of Toledo is one of the three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain and is considered, in the opinion of some authorities, to be the magnum opus of the Gothic style in Spain. It's a must-see for any visit to Toledo, you can purchase a ticket togo to see the church as well as the tower for views over Toledo.

2. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

The monastery was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs in thanks for the victory at the Battle of Toro. The monastery is an example of the Isabelline style. Its church is in the form of a Latin cross, with short arms, an elongated nave, and side chapels situated between the domed arches – three chapels on either side of the nave, and two more under the choir. It is worth entering and seeing the idyllic garden surrounded by two levels of cloisters.

3. Puente de San Martín

The Puente de San Martín or so called St Martin's Bridge, is a medieval bridge across the river Tagus in Toledo, Spain. The bridge was constructed in the late 14th century by archbishop Pedro Tenorio to provide access to the old town from the west, complementing the older Puente de Alcántara linking to the east. Both sides of the bridge were heavily fortified with towers, the more recent dating from the 16th century. A beautiful view spot over the old city of Toledo walls.

4.  Mirador del Valle

Scenic overlook offering panoramic city & sunset views. To get the ultimate photo of Toledo you need to cross the Río Tajo and climb the road on the other side to this strategic viewpoint. 

5.  Plaza de Zocodover

The Plaza de Zocodover is a square of the city of Toledo, in the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha, Spain. It was the nerve center of the city during most of its history, acting as its main square. A part of it was designed by Juan de Herrera during the reign of Philip II.

6.  Mosque of Christ of the Light

The Mosque of Cristo de la Luz is a Catholic chapel and former mosque in Toledo, Spain. It is the one of the ten that existed in the city during the Moorish period. The edifice was then known as Mezquita Bab-al-Mardum, deriving its name from the city gate Bab al-Mardum.

7.  Santa María la Blanca

The Santa Maria la Blanca is a museum and former synagogue in Toledo. It was converted 12th-century, Moorish-style synagogue with a hall of horseshoe-shaped arches. The synagogue is located in the former Jewish quarter of the city, between the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Synagogue of El Transito. It is one of three preserved synagogues constructed by Jews in a Mudéjar or Moorish style under the rule of the Christian Kingdom of Castile

8.  Alcázar of Toledo

The Alcázar of Toledo is a stone fortification located in the highest part of Toledo, Spain. It is a large quadrangular building measuring 60 meters on a side, framed by four large towers 60 meters high, each crowned by the typical Madrid spire. The Alcazar of  Toledo is the icon building of the city that you would see from any viewpoint. 

9.  Convento de Santo Domingo El Antiguo

The Monastery of Saint Dominic of Silos (the Old) (Spanish: Monasterio de Santo Domingo de Silos (el Antiguo)) is a Cistercian monastery in Toledo. It was first founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in 1085 by Pedro Alcocer during the reign of Alfonso VI of Leon and Castille. It underwent major rebuilding work in the second half of the 16th century, in which the mudéjar church was demolished. The new building was begun by Nicolás de Vergara and completed by the royal architect Juan de Herrera, as well as being provided with a new altarpiece by El Greco. 

10.  Puerta del Sol 

Puerta del Sol is a city gate of Toledo, Spain, built in the late 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller. The medallion above the arch of the gate depicts the ordination of the Visigothic Ildephonsus, Toledo's patron saint.