Top 6 things to do in Toledo

Spain is best known for its famous cities, which attract large numbers of visitors every year: Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. In the centre of the country, however, lies a beautiful region called Toledo. It is the capital of the province of the same name, as well as of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. Toledo is the place to be if you’re looking for a cultural place to visit, with a proud and historic heritage. The former capital of Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has more than one trick up its sleeve for you to explore: its museums, its alleys of a thousand and one wonders, its sumptuous and majestic churches and cathedrals… Without further ado, discover some of the top things to do in Toledo!

What to do in Toledo

1. Santa Maria de Toledo Cathedral

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Every city has its own historic monument, whose history and architecture tell the story of the city and make visitors’ heads spin with wonder. For the city, this mythical monument would undoubtedly be Sainte-Marie Cathedral. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the whole of Europe, and its construction is undoubtedly one of the longest buildings in the world! In fact, the cathedral took almost 2 centuries to be officially completed, from 1226 to 1493. The cathedral was built on the remains of the former Great Mosque of Toledo, as a way of demonstrating the domination and power of Toledo over other civilisations and governments. If you’ve already been dazzled by the exterior, you should know that the interior, decorated with jewels and works of art, will leave you speechless. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6.30pm, and on Sundays from 2pm to 6.30pm.

2. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Like Santa Maria Cathedral, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo is also Gothic in style. It was built in honour of the victory in the Battle of Toro. King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Elizabeth I of Castile also took the initiative of building the monastery in honour of the birth of their son. Its somewhat magnetic aura both intimidates and arouses curiosity. The choir, decorated with the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs supported by large eagles, is impressive, and the façade, bearing the chains of freed prisoners, is a unique and atypical decoration. The square, two-storey cloister is a favourite with tourists, who don’t hesitate to immortalise the moment with two clicks of a camera. For art lovers and history buffs, you should know that the place you are about to visit has a turbulent past, the echoes of which still reverberate throughout the city of Toledo… So discover this must-see monument that is full of surprises.

3. Stroll around the city centre

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Yes, yes, we know. It goes without saying that when you visit a new town, you have to explore its city centre from top to bottom. That’s often where you’ll find all the main events and monuments to see. But it’s also where you can meet new people, chat to the locals and sample delicious local dishes. Toledo has a unique old town, with the “Puerta de Bisagra”, a magnificent restored stone gateway, which is actually the original gateway to a medieval-style city. What’s more, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Tagus, which encompasses the city in a torrent of delicacy and refinement. As you stroll through the city centre, you’ll realise that the Saint-Martin and Alcantara bridges link the historic centre with the modern district, giving you the vague impression of being transported from one world to the other.

4. Toledo’s Alcázar

Category: €/Cultural

Description: You won’t want to miss Toledo’s Alcázar, which can be seen from miles away thanks to its famous rectangular shape and Romanesque style, majestically overlooking the highest part of the city. Situated on a 548-metre hill, it was once the defence of the Muslim Alcazaba. The building was first constructed during the reign of Charles V, and then transformed under the orders of Alfonso VI and Alfonso X the Wise. Toledo’s Alcázar is a place steeped in history, which has witnessed numerous military confrontations over the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the Spanish Civil War. Fascinating to historians and captivating to architects, the Alcázar is today best known for housing the army museum and the library of Castilla-La Mancha. The Alcázar is open every day except Monday, with peak times varying according to the season: it is advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months.

5. The Tránsito Synagogue

Category: €/Cultural

Description: This fourteenth-century Jewish temple is one of the best-preserved synagogues in Toledo and home to the Sephardic Museum. It is located in the Jewish quarter and was commissioned by Samuel ha-Leví Abulafia, who was none other than the treasurer of Peter I of Castile. More precisely, the synagogue was intended to be the oratory of the palace. At first glance, its architecture is simple and unadorned, and it’s only when you step inside that you can admire the richly decorated wooden coffered ceiling. In fact, the contrast between the simplicity of the exterior and the detail of the interior makes the place even more attractive and intriguing. Among other things, you can admire the various Mudéjar elements, the superb geometric motifs and the Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions. The synagogue is open every day except Monday, and its opening times vary according to the season.

6. Santo Tomé church

Category: €/Cultural

Description: The Santo Tomé church is famous for housing one of El Greco’s most beautiful major works: “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”. Many believe it to be the most influential painting in the history of the world: you’ll be the judge once you’re inside the monument! For those unfamiliar with it, the painting is in fact the story of a very old Toleban legend. It is in fact the miracle of the appearance of Saint Augustine and Saint Stephen, who came to bury the Count of Orgaz. The Mudéjar-style church dates back to the 12th century, but was built during the 14th century under the orders of the Lord of Orgaz. A little tip to keep in the back of your mind: when you pass by the bell tower, be aware that it is one of the finest examples of art in the whole of Toledo. The Santo Tomé church is one of the most visited buildings in the city.