by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:22nd October 2024
Ancient history amongst the maze of lanes
During our road trip adventures around Spain, we stayed in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha. Toledo sits high above the Tagus River with an air of majestic grace waiting to be explored.
Our journey began in Bilbao, arriving from the UK on a Brittany Ferries; we have been touring down through the backroads of Spain. We’ve visited Pamplona, Zaragoza, Teruel, the Palm Tree Groves of Elche, Murcia, Cartagena, Mojácar, Granada and the pepper-pot windmills of Consuegra.
We have a couple of days to explore Toledo, and then we hit the road again and journey north and visit Valladolid, Astorga, and Burgos.
We previously visited Toledo during a Spanish road trip in 2014; however, our stopover was way too brief, and we didn’t give this historical city the time and attention it deserved.
Why not Pin it for later?
So here we are again!
Did you catch our inspiration for this Spanish road trip?
Where is Toledo?
How to get to Toledo
- By air
Start creating your own Spanish adventure and discover the delightful city of Toledo for yourself.
The closest international airport is Madrid, search for your flights in one easy place with Booking.com and book your car rental all at the same time. This reliable travel search engine will scan for your favoured routes and chosen dates.
Where to stay in Toledo
Hotel Medina de Toledo
The Hotel Medina de Toledo is a short stroll to Zocodover Square and many of Toledo’s significant sights, all with the assistance of the nearby escalator. It is a hilly city, after all.
The hotel has beautiful views from their terrace, where you can enjoy your breakfast. You are able to park on the street outside the hotel, or there is a public car park close by.
Pop your dates in the Booking.com search box and discover further options for all budgets.
Brief history of Toledo
The “City of Three Cultures”Toledo is only 45 miles (75km) southwest of Madrid and can be easily visited in a day; however, I urge you to stay for longer to discover its 2,000 years of history. It’s such a pleasure just meandering around its cobbled streets.
The magnificent city of Toledo is a delicious melting pot of three significant cultures. Christians, Muslims and Jews, and each has added their enriching influences throughout the centuries to this stunning hilltop city.
Puerta de Bisagra, Toledo at night
Toledo is an intriguing city to explore and one of the few places in Spain where you’ll discover a 10th century Mezquita, a Gothic Cathedral, and two Synagogues within a short stroll of each other.
Once an Imperial City, Toledo served as the main seat of the Imperial court for Charles V from 1525, and he resided in the city on many occasions.
Toledo city map
Toledo is also well-known for its high-quality steel and has been sought-after since Roman times. Today, throughout Toledo’s ancient streets, you can still spot these exclusive modern-day foils for sale.
Discovering the many gates of Toledo
Amongst its city wallsLet’s start by strolling through the ancient Toledo gates. There are many gateways dotted around Toledo’s historic city walls, which lead you into the ancient centre and are nestled amongst the imposing city walls and towers.
Toledo was first walled by the Romans; a few remains of the early wall can still be found today.
Toledo City walls
There are three main gates, the first of which is Nueva de Bisagra. This was originally of Arab origin; it was rebuilt under the reign of Charles V and Philip II in the 16th century in the Renaissance style and is exceptionally grand. It has two different sides, one displaying the city coat of arms and the other the coat of arms of Charles I
Nueva de Bisagra gate
The Puerta del Cambrón gate is one of the oldest gates in Toledo; until the 15th century, it was known as Puerta de los Judíos, the gate of the Jews, due to its proximity to the Jewish Quarter. It is now named after the cambronera plant.
Puerta del Cambrón
Puerta del Sol (Toledo) at night
The third medieval main gate is Puerta del Sol (Toledo), which was built by the Hospitaller Knights in the 13th century in the north of the city. This beautiful Mudejar gate is lovely to visit day and night. In the 17th century, the painting of the Moon and the Sun was added, hence its name.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Eyewitness books, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Exploring the ancient streets of Toledo
And Miradors to seek outToledo’s narrow and historic lanes welcome you in with open arms, and the excitement of discovery awaits. There is no better way to explore Toledo than on foot. The intriguing mixture of architecture is captivating, from the imposing Alcázar that dominates the Toledo skyline to the enchanting Mezquita, which has over a thousand years of history.
The maze of streets in Toledo
Toledo’s narrow lanes
There are so many delightful plazas to discover in Toledo. Ensure you seek out Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is home to Toledo’s grand city hall, the Archbishop’s Palace of Toledo and, of course, the stunning Toledo Cathedral.
Toledo City Hall
Another bustling square to visit is Plaza de Zocodover. This arcade has been a thriving marketplace for centuries and has been utilised for various activities since medieval times. Today, take a pew at one of the many benches and just sit and watch the daily life of Toledo pass you by.
Plaza de Zocodover at night
There are some spectacular miradors to find in Toledo. One of the most famous is Mirador del Valle, where you can admire the stunning view of Toledo from the south side of the River Tagus. The opening image in this post captures this vista.
Puente de San Martin
Other beautiful miradors to be found in Toledo are Mirador del Alcázar and Mirador de Santa Ana, which is the Jewish Quarter of Toledo and offers a magnificent view of Puente de San Martin, the 14th century pedestrian bridge which straddles the River Tagus.
Tourist Information
If you’re planning to explore Spain, ensure you check out the Visit Spain official tourism website. It is overflowing with helpful information covering every region of this beautiful country from north, south, east, and west.
Visiting the Alcázar of Toledo
Embracing Toledo CathedralThe striking Alcázar of Toledo sits high above the River Tagus, casting an elegant, majestic vision across the Toledo skyline.
Alcázar of Toledo at dusk
The Alcázar fortress is today the home of Toledo’s Army Museum; however, its original construction dates from Roman times. Evidence of the 3rd century Roman Palace can be seen inside the base of the Alcazar archaeological site; it’s a must to visit.
Alcázar archaeological site
During the reigns of Alfonso VI and Alfonso X ‘The Wise’, the fortress was rebuilt. The Alcázar of Toledo became the first citadel to be constructed in a quadrangle style, with imposing grand towers in each corner.
Charles V Courtyard in Alcázar of Toledo
The Alcázar was restored during the 16th century, and unfortunately, during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, the fortress of Toledo was severely damaged and renovated once again into the amazing Alcázar we visit today.
The impressive gothic Cathedral of Toledo, Spain
The equally impressive Toledo Cathedral stands in the beating heart of the medieval city of Toledo and is an incredible example of Spanish Gothic art.
The site of this significant place of worship dates back centuries. Prior to the existence of the Christian church, which you see today, the Toledo Cathedral sits upon the ruins of a Muslim Mosque. Prior to the mosque, a 6th century church was built during the reign of the Visigoth King Recaredo.
Toledo Cathedral arch
Tower of Toledo Cathedral
The cathedral is extraordinary inside; it is 390 feet (120 metres) in length and an incredible 194 feet (59 metres) wide; it houses five naves and fifteen stunning chapels.
The eye-catching gothic tower was constructed in 1422 by Alvar Martinez and incorporates decorative Mudéjar influences and stretches 301 feet (92 metres) high into the sky.
Tempted to?
Discover more of historic Spain and tour its picturesque countryside in the north, or head south to explore the Sierra Nevada National Park just south of Granada.
You can do it all on a road trip; Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the deals that suit you the best.
Exploring Toledo’s Jewish Quarter
Strolling in the footsteps of historyThe old Jewish Quarter in Toledo is a fascinating region to stroll around, with an abundance of incredible history around every turn.
The Jewish Quarter
Heading towards the Jewish Quarter from the south, you’ll first discover the Museo Del Greco. A museum dedicated to one of Toledo’s most famous residents, the Mannerist painter El Greco, who lived in Toledo from 1577 until his death in 1614.
The Holy Ark in the Synagogue of El Tránsito
Mudéjar Artesonado ceiling in the prayer hall
Just a short hop from here is the Synagogue of El Tránsito. This former synagogue was built in the 14th century and has fantastic examples of Spanish-Jewish art. It is adorned with beautiful Mudéjar detailing and inscriptions in Arabic and Hebrew.
The synagogue was converted to a Catholic church due to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. It became a Sephardic Museum in 1910. It is magnificent inside and stunning specimens of Moorish architecture. The rectangular prayer hall has an Artesonado ceiling and a galleried second floor.
Santa María La Blanca synagogue
Further along Calle de los Reyes Católicos, is the stunning Santa María La Blanca synagogue. This beautiful synagogue is of Mudéjar construction and was built in 1180. Step inside, and it will take your breath away. The simplicity of the symmetrical horseshoe arches and pillars which separate the five naves is exquisite.
The ceiling of Santa María La Blanca synagogue
View towards the eastern wall
The Santa María La Blanca synagogue is the oldest in Toledo and, disputably, the oldest synagogue still standing in Europe. In the 15th century, it was converted into a church; however, today, it is a beautiful historic monument for all to visit.
Another delightful building to visit in Toledo’s Jewish Quarter is the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, with its enchanting cloisters.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Guides,
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more
Visiting the Cristo de la Luz Mosque
Over a thousand years of historyOne of the most significant buildings in Toledo is the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz; it has over a thousand years of history and is Toledo’s oldest monument.
Cristo de la Luz Mosque
The magnificent Cristo de la Luz Mosque, near the Puerta del Sol has some of the greatest examples of Spain’s Hispano-Islamic and Mudéjar architecture.
I loved visiting this mosque it truly had a feel of antiquity about it. The Cristo de la Luz Mosque was built in the year 999 and remains in a similar state as when it was originally constructed.
Pillars in Cristo de la Luz Mosque
Mudéjar-style semi-circular apse
The Cristo de la Luz Mosque is relatively small in size and is a square structure measuring only 8 metres by 8 metres. The charming façade is made of brick and decorated with arches.
Step inside, and you’ll see the traditional-style horseshoe arches and the supporting pillars. The mosque was later extended on the east side when it was consecrated in the 12th century for Christian worship. The Mudéjar-style semi-circular apse was then added.
From the gardens of Cristo de la Luz Mosque
After visiting the beautiful mosque, ensure you take a stroll around its tranquil gardens, which are a delightful place to sit and admire the historic surroundings.
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