Ancient capital of Spain and a UNESCO world heritage site
Renfe train from Madrid Atocha to Toledo- return 11.10€ p/p. The train for Toledo is one of the platforms near the tropical garden in Atocha station. 35 mins journey.
It is worthwhile to spend at least one night.
Places to visit
We started our visit at the Mezquita Cristo de la Cruz and there we noticed a board with the Toledo bracelet for tourists which allows to visit 7 monuments ( excluding the Cathedral) for 10€ p/p. We couldn’t visit all but managed the main ones at leisure. We omitted the main cathedral (Catedral Primada) as we wandered and enjoyed the narrow winding streets of this medieval city rich in Spanish culture all day long with a lunch stop. Best to get there as early as possible before tours buses.
Just follow the signs or the crowd from the station and cross the historic Puente de Alcantara.
Puente de Alcantara – This Roman arch bridge span the Tagus river flowing underneath to get into the walled city. It is below the medieval Castle of San Servando. Great place for some nice photos before entering the city.
Toledo railway station – Stunning building with lots of Moorish influence. The main hall has stained glass windows giving a beautiful soft light effect. The little ticket offices are so cute with intricate Moorish decorations. Just don’t waste time to admire the building when arriving, do it while waiting for the train back.
Puente de San Martin – Medieval pedestrian bridge and offers wonderful views of the old town from the towers.
Plaza Zocodover – Large open plaza full of history in the old town, very vibrant plaza with restaurants, cafes and shops. The surrounding buildings are very colourful. It has a long history of being the connection point for the city. The plaza also has a dark side – a ‘cage of the dead’, where the bodies of people who didn’t have family to bury them were kept, bullfights and public burnings were staged, used to sit in the center of the square. Just before entering the plaza, below the archway there is a memorial statue of Miguel de Cervantes (Author of Don Quixote).
Access with Toledo bracelet.
Mezquita Cristo de la Cruz – Small old Mosque (Mezquita) yet full of details, fresco and a unique design with a nice little Islamic Garden.
Church of the Jesuits – Modest church but with a special splendour of white interior. Nice panoramic views of Toledo from the tower.
Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue – In the Jewish quarter is this very old and minimalistic but beautiful building with plain white interior walls and pillars, ceiling. The interior also reveals a dome over the position of the ark.
Iglesia del Salvador – Small church built on the site of a mosque. Nice architecture. Walk underneath the main building to see the remains of the mosque; walk up to the church’s bell tower.
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes – Haven of peace, well-kept and beautiful monastery with an idyllic garden surrounded by two levels of cloisters with intricate wooden ceilings and sculptures, and of course the church itself with a stately altar. This monastery was built as a mausoleum for the Catholic monarchs before they moved to Granada.
Colegio de Doncellas Nobles – Small quiet cathedral with nice patio. The tomb of Cardinal Silíceo is in the nicely decorated Baroque style chapel.
Eat
While wandering the medieval streets, we stumbled on Lo Nuestro taperia and restaurant . We were welcomed by the chef or owner (not sure) with local wine. The restaurant is cute and clean. For lunch we had gazpacho, stewed venison, partridge Toledo style (with white beans) and Spanish rice accompanied with beer. We loved the venison; it was so tender and tasty. 32€ for 2
Shopping
Confitería Santo Tomé – Ideally located before entering or leaving Plaza Zocodover. This nice bakery with a long history for traditional mazapan (almond) sweets/biscuits. Fairly priced.
