Travel guide Toledo

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Toledo, the city of three cultures (named so after centuries of coexistence of Christians, Jews and Arabs), grew haphazardly within a high stone wall: the houses, mosques, churches and synagogues are accumulated over of winding narrow streets. Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain until the middle of sixteenth century, when that condition went to the city of Madrid. This walled city was declared in 1987 a World Heritage Site. Visiting the old city today, can transport you to the Middle Ages. And explore on foot, as then, lets you get carried away by the majesty of its architecture perfectly preserved.

Getting there

By bus from Madrid it takes you about 75 minutes. You reach the bus station in the modern area of Toledo. It's cheap and reliable. The city impresses from afar: high walls surrounded by the river Tajo.

Before entering the city, we recommend you request a map at the tourist information office in the "Puerta de Bisagra" (outside the wall) and, in addition to the tourist sites of interest, has got updated information on times and days to visit . It will avoid walking more and in a city with streets so steep, every step counts.

What to visit in the old town of Toledo

Leaving the tourist information office, if you come to the city by the Puerta de Bisagra (main entrance to the old town), go to the "Miradero" to take some pictures: the view is one of the best in the city. Nearby is the heart of the city: Plaza de Zocodover. From there our route proposed as mixed as the different cultures that lived in the city: the Museum (and home) of Greco, who lived in Toledo being of Cretan origin, the Sephardic Museum, the Transito Synagogue and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. In the Monastery you have to visit the cloister, the orange blossom scent beautifies the courtyard and I recommend you to stop and contemplate the beautiful columns.

A special mention deserves the Cathedral (an impressive Gothic church, completed in the fifteenth century). A tip: in order to better appreciate it, hire an audio guide or buy a book, for little money, that can be found in shops near the Cathedral. The tour of this huge construction can take you considerable time, but you can't miss the central nave with the choir, from the Puerta del Perdon, the altarpiece in the Chapel which carved scenes depicting the Life and Passion of Christ and the retrochoir Transparent (take 5 minutes to enjoy it, you won't regret.)

The most famous building is the Alcázar de Toledo, the highest point of the city. Is in the Jewish quarter on the Reyes Catolicos, along with San Juan de los Reyes and the Transito Synagogue. Initially a third-century Roman palace, was restored several times, reaching the current structure, where every facade is different style. It now houses the Army Museum. Because of its history, location and originality, you can't miss it.

Another place you should visit, even for those who do not admire the painting, is the Church of Santo Tomé, where you will find "The Burial of Count Orgaz".

If visiting so many museums, synagogues and mosques made you exhausted, walk down to the bridge of San Martín, on the River Tajo, a beautiful place for a short break from the chaos of the city. A tip: One day is little to explore the city up and down the cobbled streets, if you don't want to end up exhausted. I recommend staying a night in Toledo (consult accommodation in Toledo in the Club de Turistas) and, above all, hire one of the evening guided walks around the city. You will not regret.

Shopping - Crafts

Toledo artisans are famous for their work in steel (Toledan swords are recognized worlwide) and the gold "damasquinado". The swords will be displayed in the many workshops in the city, masterfully manufactured. As for jewelry and accessories, regardless of whether they intend to buy or not, you will find many doors open workshops where goldsmiths, in full view of tourists in general (and potential buyers in particular). With infinite patience, on a steel plate treated with nitric acid to soften it and let it porous, gold wires are embedded into the plate (gold 24 k) with original designs, and then these unique pieces are polished brilliantly. They are expensive, but worth the money.

Cuisine of Toledo

Toledo offers the lure of its spectacular views, as much as fine typical Toledan dishes: the ratatouille (with onion, tomatoes and peppers), soup or crumbs, the gachas plus the unmistakable porridge and Manchego cheese. You will find around the old town, a wide variety of small restaurants, many with outdoor tables to take a break and try some of the Castilian specialties.

Toledo: Centuries of History and three cultures amalgamated into the walled medieval city center, a unique place to go during the day and an almost magical place to visit at night, hustle and tranquility, history and current events, churches, mosques and synagogues, Christians, Arabs and Jews, an ancient and modern at once, full of contrasts. A city with a lush patrimony of monuments in perfect condition, one of the most visited city in Spain and in addition we recommend here.

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