“Imperial city”, “City of the Three Cultures”, and “birthplace of the world’s finest swords” – these described Toledo in the medieval ages.
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in Spain, held his court here. For centuries Christians, Muslims and Jews added their cultures to this city, and Toledo craftsmen produced the finest steel in the world.
Today it has retreated into obscurity, a true “hidden gem”, but one still very much worth a visit.
Situated just about an hour’s travel from Madrid by car, bus or train, Toledo could be a great weekend trip. The city lies in central Spain in the region of Castilla-La Mancha. It is bounded on three sides by the Tago river which must have provided a great deal of protection in the battles of the pre-gunpowder days. At its heart is the walled Old Town, packed with history. Synagogues, churches and mosques abound, making Toldeo worthy of being an UNESCO World heritage Site.
Toledo is best explored by foot. It is not practical to drive in this city due to its very narrow and busy streets and difficult parking options. English is not widely spoken, but people are helpful.
Here are some attractions of Toledo worth visiting.
Toledo Cathedral
Also known as Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada, this Cathedral built in Spanish Gothic style is ranked among Spain’s most beautiful cathedrals. It houses magnificent works of art by Caravaggio, Tiziano, Rubens and El Greco. A curious feature of the cathedral are the red hats hanging above the tombs of bishops, perhaps awaiting their return to life.
Alcázar de Toledo
The most dominant monument is the Alcazar (fortress), a grand rectangular structure built on the city’s highest hill. First a Roman palace in the 3rd century, then home to Spanish royalty, later an Arab stronghold, it is today an army museum which tells you how military weapons and tactics evolved over centuries, from the Roman days until the mid 20th century. A bonus is the outstanding view of the city and surroundings from the ramparts.
Arabic Baths
Medieval Arab gentry enjoyed luxurious baths, and this aspect of ancient Arabic culture still lives on in the ‘Medina Mujedar Banos Arabes’.
Here you can soak in the hot and cold pools, take in a massage and nibble on Arabic biscuits and mint tea.
The Jewish District
The third culture in the city of many cultures, apart from Christian and Arabic, is Jewish. In the Juderia district you can see old synagogues, notably the ancient Santa Maria la Blanca and the Trànsito Synagogue, representing a blend of Jewish and Spanish traditions. The Sephardic Museum chronicles the story of the Spanish Jewish community and their ill-treatment by the Catholic kings.
Sword Making
A Toledo sword had been the prize possession of generations of nobility, deserving to be wielded only by great swordsmen. The process of blending soft and hard steel, to make a sword blade that is both flexible and resilient, has been a treasured secret for many centuries, copied but never equalled by others. Today this ancient craft lives on in Mariano Zamorano’s famous sword workshop, where highly skilled craftsmen forge and fashion old style swords following the ancient formulae perfected centuries ago.
La Puerta De Bisagra
Formerly the gateway to the city, this magnificent structure was built by the Arabs a thousand years ago when they ruled Islamic Al-Andalus.
The bits that still remain are an arch of triumph and two beautiful semi-circular towers, embellished by the city’s imperial coat of arms.
If your hotel is near Plaza del Toros, then this could be the starting point for the city walk.
Puente San Martin
This medieval stone bridge over the Tajo river offers a panoramic view of the Old Town and the Monastery of San Juan in particular. It has five arches and the largest of them has a span of 40 metres which was a wonder in its time.
The Puente is a lovely site for a walk around sunset.
Puente De Ancantara
The Puente de Alcántara is a Roman arch bridge spanning the Tagus River. The Romans built this bridge at the foot of the Castillo de San Servando (seen in the image on the right). In the Middle Ages it was used by pilgrims to enter the city. It currently has two arches.
The Alcazar is seen above the bridge in the image on the left.
Other View Points
The Mirador del Valle provides a great view of the city, the river, Alcazar looming over the surroundings, the tiny winding streets and the Cathedral.
Great panoramic photos can be clicked from the hilltop viewpoint at the Parador del Conde Orgaz. You can see the whole of Toledo laid out beneath you. The best time is around sunset when the city’s oak-panelled buildings take on golden hues.
Narrow Streets of Toledo
Ruta Nocturna
If you have energy left after a possibly exhausting walk around the city you can explore it by night, too. The city changes at night. Lights outline the prominent structures, creating beautiful shadows, and the air cools off a bit, making an evening walk on the cobbled streets a pleasant experience on your way to food.
Food
The cuisine on offer at the many restaurants of Toledo is a blend of the three cultures, made from the fresh produce from the surrounding countryside. Topping the list of dishes are suckling pig, and las carcamusas (lean pork stew in a vegetable ragout), Cuchifritos (pork meat), as well as stuffed pears, manchego cheese and Mazapán.
The city has several options for accommodation ranging from small hotels and hostels to Bed-n-breakfasts all conveniently located around Plaza del Toros, Toledo.
If you have just one day for Toledo, here are some fun things to do in this historic city.
If you love history, architecture, photography and are an adventurous foodie, then Toledo is the place for you!
I would love to visit Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes thats in Toledo, I always find myself drawn to the history surrounding St John and the crusades. When I book a trip, St John and the particular destination is the first thing I google 🙂
We loved our visit to Toledo — totally amazing place!
We have travelled around Spain but seem to have missed Toledo on our travels. It does look like the perfect spot to visit by train and then walk the the narrow cobblestone streets. We don’t normally bring home souvenirs. But I am sure hubby would be eyeing a Toledo sword! Looks lovely! Will definitely plan this for our next trip to Spain.
I haven’t been to Toledo yet. I’ll have to visit because those stunning cathedrals and medieval architecture is luring me there. The sword manufacture is a must-see, too.
I would never have considered Toledo for a visit but it looks beautiful. I love the idea of a city which just isn’t practical for cars. There is no better way to explore a place than on foot. The food looks fascinating & delicious too. You’ve sold me!
Wow what stunning architecture, it reminds me a little of some of the Tuscan villages. I’m kicking myself for not visiting here now.
Also great pictures
I’m so glad you shared this! I’ve never heard of Toledo before, and I prefer seeing local less known areas when we travel. We’re going to need some walking after all that delicious food!
Reading this brings back great memories of Toledo. I love the history of the place and the beautiful Alcazar! I’d like to return one day and see the Arabic Baths.
I haven’t made it to Toledo yet, but it looks like I would love it! I’d especially like to see the Toledo Cathedral – I popped into the Gothic cathedral in Barcelona once just to check it out, and ended up staying for hours, so I bet I’d do the same thing here! Exploring the city and then sampling some of that delicious-looking food would make such a perfect day.
Toledo is not that much-publicized by the Spain tourism. Spain definitely has Islamic influence be it the architecture or the culture. I was unaware of the swords, I will definitely grab it as a souvenir.
As much as I have been throughout all of Spain, sadly, I have yet to actually visit Toledo yet! But we really need to get down there to explore it especially the Alcazar! I love that view of the fortress at night! Of course all of the other parts are amazing like the cathedral or the bridges and of course there is all of that amazing food. I would easily need longer than a full weekend in Toledo just to eat all the great dishes there!
Wow! Great post! Toledo looks so amazing.
MagicandBliss
What a cool place to see and visit. I love historical places to explore and learn! Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I visited Toledo and loved it. You shared so many different perspectives from what we were able to see and do in November. I guess that means we will need to go back!
Would love to spend a weekend in Toledo. Such an informative guide. Pinning so I have this when I visit.
Toledo looks like such a charming place! It looks like there is so much to see and do! The Cathedral looks absolutely stunning! And the Arabic Baths looks enchanting! What a beautiful place! Thanks for the great guide!
Im ashamed to say I went to Toledo but only visited the sword making facilities. I wish I’d done more!
I visited Toledo a couple of years ago and loved walking around the historic streets! We took a van here so were able to stay a couple of nights and really explore the city. Great guide you’ve put together on what to see!
Wow, I would just love to soak in the Arabic baths, and the food look just incredible. Thanks for this great post!
I will be in Spain next year and was only planning a day in Toledo. Looks like I will need at least 2 days. I have pinned this post for future reference.
Toledo, Spain is so beautiful! I so wish I had taken a weekend trip to the Imperial City while in Madrid. Must return!
Toledo has been on our Spain bucket list for a while! The Islamic history, arabic baths, and traditional sword making are all calling our name!! We can’t wait to stroll through the narrow lanes 🙂
It is fun to say that I have been there. My daughter would have loved it if we had brought a full size sword home for her.