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 A thousand-year-old bridge |
Ronda de Juanelo, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain |
The Puente de Alcántara bridge has a history that pre-dates its Islamic name (in Arabic "alcántara" means bridge). It was originally constructed in the Roman era. It was later destroyed then rebuilt during Arabic times (854). In 1257 floods demolished it again but Alfonso X ordered its reconstruction the following year. The bridge was originally defended by a tower at either end. Only the one nearest the city remains and the other was replaced by a baroque gateway in 1721. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: José Enrique Álvarez Martín |
 Photo: Max Lemaître |
 Photo: Marta Pachulska  |
 Photo: itsnotoliver |
 Photo: Tor-Sven Berge |
 Photo: Domingojavier |
 Photo: xtrex |
 Photo: Charity Sperringer |
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Houses the regional library |
Alféreces Provisionales, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain +34 925 25 6680 |
This stronghold was built by Alfonso VI on a hill high above the city on the site of the ruins of a Muslim fort. It is rectangular in structure and flanked by four square towers. The facade presents rows of balconies and windows and a walkway with banisters. Alsonso de Covarrubias was responsible for the picturesque gateway. Nowadays, it is not only the home of the Museo del Ejército (Army Museum), but also houses the Regional Library which holds important collections and archives. The library has all the latest technology and provides computer terminals for Internet access for library users. Library opening hours are 10a-8p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Becky Halloran |
 Photo: Chris Cheng |
 Photo: Matthew Chellew |
 Photo: Jonathan Parkes |
 Photo: Jim Pell |
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 Photo: oboulko |
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 Photo: Tiago Matias |
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Military Museum in city fortress |
Cuesta de Carlos V, 2 Toledo 45001 Spain |
The Military Museum is currently closed. They are expected to reopen in 2008. Toledo's hilltop fortress, the Alcạr, dominates the city. The Romans, Visigoths and Arabs all built fortifications on this site. Alfonso VI established himself here when he conquered Toledo for the Christians in 1085. In 1535, following the reconstruction of the fortress, Charles I of Spain took up residence. Since then, the Alcạr has been destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, most recently in 1936 when one of the most famous incidents of the Spanish Civil War took place here. It was finally restored during the 1950's and now houses a library (biblioteca regional) and the Military Museum which contains an important collection of arms, uniforms and models of important historical battles. Admission: EUR 1.20 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.versvs.net |
 Photo: Natalie Wagner |
 Photo: www.versvs.net |
 Photo: Manuel |
 Photo: gudnyag |
 Photo: J.M.Severino |
 Photo: Ellimaque |
 Photo: Lars Andersen |
 Photo: Alfonso Mantecon |
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Ancient gateway into the city |
Alfonso VI, s/n Toledo 45003 Spain |
This ancient Arabic gateway was the principal entrance to the city until the construction of the Puerta de Bisagra (Hinge Gateway) in the eleventh century. Although the Alfonso VI gateway lost importance in terms of use, the legends surrounding it still date back centuries. One example is its very name, which comes from the popular belief asserting that Alfonso VI rode through it in triumph when he took the city from the Moors for his Christian kingdom during the Reconquest. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Olivia Heredia Otero |
 Photo: lunanegra_2001 |
 With passageway to the Cathedral |
Arco de Palacio, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain |
An arch-shaped passageway bridges the 800m gap between the palace and the Cathedral. The palace was given by King Alfonso VIII to Archbishop Don Rodrigo Jimenez de Rada. It has been much modified over the years by order of different Cardinals. The architect Ventura Rodriguez was responsible for the facade that looks onto Calle Arco de Palacio, the internal patios and the part of the building now used as the Archbishop's home. The passageway that joins the palace to the Cathedral was built at the time of Cardinal Sandoval. Visitors are not admitted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Ancient imperial gateway |
Cardenal Tavera, s/n Toledo 45003 Spain |
This impressive 16th century gateway is undoubtedly one of the finest entrances to the ancient city. Built by Covarrubias in 1555, it more than merits the adjective "imperial". On the facade, there is a gigantic coat of arms of Castille and Leon kingdom and the two-headed eagle which represented the reign of the Spanish monarchs during the Habsburg empire. The gateway is formed by two buildings joined by a patio and crenellated wall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pobracara |
 Photo: Vanessa Harmon |
 Photo: Merewyn Hines |
 Photo: takuya ichinose |
 Photo: Marcos Caceres |
 Photo: Liren Chen |
 Photo: Tord Hamran |
 Photo: Alberto Fernández |
 Photo: H. Urdinola |
 Photo: Audrey Wilson |
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 Photo: Adria Ardú - México |
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 Photo: jeffhuang |
 Photo: Alwin Nöller |
 Photo: Mathieu François du Bertrand |
 Photo: Los Monos Chaguerones |
 Photo: Angel García Carro |
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Mudejar-style arch |
Cuesta de San Justo, 2 Toledo 45001 Spain |
This 14th century Mudejar (Spanish-Moorish) arch stands in the courtyard of a private house, where the painter Alvarez de Sotomayor lived, opposite the apse of Sant Justo church. The arch is decorated in plasterwork with plant motifs, while four animal figures and twelve human figures appear in between. The one in the centre, after which the arch is named, is the most important one, as it is wearing a Bishop's mitre. As far as we know, these works were probably made at the time of the building's construction, and could have belonged to one of the houses which Bishop Gutierrez Fernandez de Toledo owned in the area. Not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exceptional Gothic monument |
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain +34 925 22 2241 |
A huge, solidly built Gothic structure built between the 13th and 15th centuries with unusual mudajar-style decoration and vaults in the apse. Take a look at the extraordinary main altarpiece, the statues and frescoes in its 22 chapels, the Renaissance-style choir stalls and the plateresque wrough-iron work. However, the biggest attractions are kept in the museum (EUR 4.80): paintings by El Greco, Van Dyck, Titian, Lucas Jordan and Rafael along with Enrique de Arfe's 3.8m 16th century monstrance crafted out of gold and silver. Mass is conducted in Spring & Summer. The timings are 8a, 8:30a, 9a, 9:30a (Mozarabic), 10a, 11a, 11:45a, 6p & 7p M-Sa, 8a, 9a, 10a (Mozarabic), 11a, noon, 6p & 7p Su. Autumn & Winter timings are 8a, 8:30a, 9a, 9:30a (Mozarabic), 11a, 5p & 6p M-Sa, 8a, 9a, 10a (Mozarabic), 11a, noon, 5p & 6p Su. Mozarabic liturgy is the Christian service that was celebrated during the Moorish occupation. Tourist admission to the cathedral and museums : 4,95 EUR Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anton Lee |
 Photo: Greg L. Wilson |
 Photo: Beth Ellen |
 Photo: Pedro Henrique Ponch |
 Photo: Meredith |
 Photo: Alicia Velasco |
 Photo: Anton Lee |
 Photo: Bernhard Angele |
 Photo: Peter Dark |
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Baroque church built by Jesuits |
Plaza Padre Juan de Mariana, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain |
You'll find the Iglesia de San Idelfonso close to the Palacio de Lorenzana. It's also known as the "Jesuits' church" because it was built by this religious order and as "San Juan Bautista" because it used to be the parish church of St. John the Baptist. It is Baroque in style. Construction commenced in 1628 and took 90 years to complete. The best feature is the facade which is flanked by towers on two sides. In 1767, King Charles III expelled the Jesuits from Spain and they therefore had to forfeit this church although it was returned to them in 1937. At present the church only opens during services. Mass times: Spring and summer: 8p & 9p M-F, 9a, 8p & 9p Sa, 9a, 11:30a, 12:30p, 8p & 9p Su (except July & August), 8:30p & 9:30p Su in July & August, Autumn & winter: 9a, 7:30p & 8:30p M-Sa, 9a, 11:30a, 12:30p, 7:30p & 8:30p Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Bell |
 Photo: Jonathan Houle |
 Photo: Guillermo Hernán Góm |
 Photo: Stephanie Haynes |
 Photo: Silvia Rodrigues Troiani |
 Photo: Kylee Rutledge |
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Visigothic in origin |
Santa Justa, 4 Toledo 45001 Spain |
This ancient church is near Toledo's central plaza, the Zocodover. Various architectural styles are combined within the building. The sixteenth century church was built around a still-standing Visigoth chapel dating from the tenth century. It plays an important role in the celebration of Easter in Toledo. Various Christian brotherhoods store their pasos (statues representing scenes from the Passion which are paraded through the streets during Easter) here. One of these organisations, the Brotherhood of Sacred Charity, was founded in the eleventh century during Alfonso VI's seige of the city. It aimed to provide a decent burial for both Muslims and Christians who died in battle. Mass timings are: 7:30p Sa, 12:30p Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eleventh century Mudejar church |
Santiago del Arrabal, 1 Toledo 45003 Spain +34 925 22 0636 |
This church is situated in the city's old quarter near the Puerta de Bisagra. It is also known as the Church of Santiago del Arrabal, Arrabal meaning old town. An obvious example of Mudéjar architecture, it was constructed in the eleventh century. The separate bell tower occupies what was formerly the minaret of the mosque which occupied the same site. The church is only open during worship, but can be visited. The pulpit was once used by the fourteenth century Dominican monk Vicente Ferrer in his harangues against the Jews in the late Middle Ages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Kirkby |
 Photo: Alison Gorbould |
 Photo: Martim Cavalcanti |
 Photo: garrofa_2000 |
 Photo: karpersa |
 Photo: Atzuka |
 Photo: Angel Vilaplana Camus |
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Renaissance-style building |
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain +34 925 22 2800 http://www.ayto-toledo.com |
This building - located next to Toledo Cathedral - was built in 1575 when Baroque-style architecture was taking over from the Renaissance-style. It resembles El Escorial as its builders were the same - Juan de Herrera, Nicolas de Vergara el Mozo, Juan Bautista Monegro and Jorge Manuel Theotocopuli. It has two floors with impressive towers on each side with Madrid-style spires. Inside, there is a beautiful staircase where some of the famous poems of the Mayor, Gomez Manrique, are reproduced. The Moorish arch that gives access to the Town Hall is also worth a special mention. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan |
 Photo: Genah Walton |
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Old Moorish walls round Toledo |
Cardenal Tavera, s/n Toledo 45003 Spain |
Despite the fact that both the Romans and the Visigoths undertook the task of protecting Toledo, it was the Muslims who, after capturing the city in 711, reinforced the old city walls to adapt them to their new military function as the frontier capital of the newly created Islamic State. The old Moorish wall still stands. It's still possible to see some remains of the Visigothic wall next to the Puerta de Bisagra). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sam's Exotic Travel |
 Photo: Pirkka Aunola |
 Photo: Geoffrey Dicker |
 Photo: bhumuhler |
 Photo: Mandi Nelson |
 Photo: Teri Centner |
 Photo: Joe Kromer |
 Photo: Hari U Krishnan |
 Photo: robbiecaroline |
 Photo: Cap'n Ben |
 Photo: Adrian Phruksukarn |
 Photo: Alison Allen |
 17th century church |
Gaitanas, 4 Toledo 45001 Spain +34 925 22 4467 |
This convent for the Augustinian order of barefoot nuns, popularly known in Spain as "Las Gaitanas", is one of the many that have existed in Toledo for centuries. It is situated just a few metres from the Lorenzana Palace. This is a closed order which means that the nunnery building cannot be visited, but access is permitted to the seventeenth-century church attached. Don't miss the Rizi wall, completed at the end of the 1660's. Masses are celebrated at 8p M-Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Thirteenth century Mudéjar convent |
Plaza de la Concepción, s/n Toledo 45006 Spain |
The Convent of the Conception is on the left as you cross over Alcántara Bridge from the Plaza de Zocodover. The name comes from the order of nuns who took over the building after the Franciscan monks moved to other premises in 1501. The exterior of the building is a magnificent example of thirteenth century Mudéjar architecture, a style which combines elements of both the Arabic and Christian traditions and was in use from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries. The Renaissance style church is very rarely open to the public and was added on later, in the sixteenth century. Mass is not held here and the building is not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Typical Toledo patio |
Plaza de la Magdalena Toledo 45001 Spain |
Located next to Magdalena Plaza and close to Zocodover Plaza, this remodeled space, where the mansion of the Condes de Trastamara is found, has been arranged like a typical Toledo patio with a series of restaurants installed. Especially noteworthy is the horseshoe arch in the entranceway to the "corral", which is decorated with arabesque designs. We recommend a pre-lunch snack in the Ludeña Bar, a well-known spot in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Somewhere for a walk |
Casco histórico Toledo 45002 Spain |
The Toledan covered passages are located in the centre of the city near the calle Santo Tomé and El Pasadizo del Greco. The passage-ways join two buildings by means of a narrow street and give access to squares or other larger streets. The Santa Anita passage leads to the Colegio de Doncellas Nobles and the Santa Clara passage leads to the Santo Domingo convent. The Santo Domingo passage is the longest in the city. All of them combine dark and light stages at the same time. These passages have witnessed some of the passionate history of Castille and heard the clash of swords in pursuit of love. The ceilings are formed by vaults supported on stone walls. They are an exciting place for visitors to explore. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amy Jean Wilkins |
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Medieval mosque |
Cristo de la Luz, 11 Toledo 45001 Spain |
This mosque, a reminder of Toledo's Muslim history, was the site of the first Christian mass in the city after its recapture in 1085. It is one of Spain's best examples of Islamic architecture. It is square in layout with beautiful columns, domed ceilings and a central garden complete with fountain. It is a fantastic visit and one that will take you back in time to Moorish dominion over most of the Iberian Peninsula. There are no offical opening times, but the mosque can be visited by pre-arrangement. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott and Paz Navarr |
 Photo: Ruth Lozano |
 Photo: batigolix |
 Photo: Gabriel |
 Photo: Christina |
 Photo: overstuffedbackpack |
 Photo: Katy |
 Photo: Jennifer K. Riggs |
 Photo: Levente Toth |
 Photo: Mossaiq |
 Photo: bvannorman2002 |
 Photo: Jeremy Vianna |
 Photo: plostis |
 Photo: Reuben Wright |
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Arabic gateway |
Ronda de Juanelo, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain |
This gateway is one of the many by which the ancient walled city was originally entered and it stands opposite the Alcántara Bridge. The horseshoe-shaped arch indicates its Islamic origins, although it was restored in 1960. Getting to the centre of the old city from here involves a steep climb up narrow streets and steps. You will eventually come out into the Plaza de Zocodover at the very heart of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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On banks of the river |
Paseo de la Rosa, s/n Toledo 45003 Spain |
This palace is located in the Huerta del Rey (King's Garden) on the left bank of the Tajo river just over 1km from the old part of Toledo. This was once the site of an old Arab garden where Al-Mamun, taifa king of Toledo from 1043-1075, built his summer home. One of the palace's most interesting features is the luxuriously decorated Salon de la Noria with its enormous garden and central pond and the ornate pavilion with stained-glass windows and gold-encrusted decorative motifs. Nowadays, the palace consists of a reception area divided into three parallel naves with bedrooms at each end linked by a passageway. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: michael bezzina |
 Photo: mr_moffetta |
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Monumental entrance to the city |
Carretas, s/n Toledo 45003 Spain |
The Puerta del Sol was once the principal gateway into the ancient walled city of Toledo. It leads directly to the Puerta de Bisagra and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque. It was originally built at the end of the 10th or the beginning of the 11th centuries but most of what we see today dates from the 14th. It is made up of various connected Moorish-style archways in stone and brick. It was previously known as the gateway of Herrería and San Ildefonso and takes its current name from the 18th century depiction of the sun and the moon in the centre of a triangular shield on the first arch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: picassina |
 Photo: Alicia Velasco |
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Owned by Gregorio Marañón |
Los Cigarrales Toledo 45002 Spain +34 925 22 0843 |
"Cigarral" is the name given to a small country retreat on the outskirts of Toledo that includes an area of farmland and gardens surrounded by a typical stone or adobe wall. This is one of the most important houses of this kind on the left bank of the Tajo River. It was destroyed by the French Army during the War of Independence and then re-occupied by lower-ranking clerics between 1823-1835 until it was taken over by the Spanish state. In 1921, it was purchased by Dr. Gregorio Marañon who restored it to its former glory by combining the classical and popular features of a typical "cigarral". Marañon wrote nearly all his books in this house. It is not open to the public. It can be viewed from the Puebla de Montalban road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Royal seal at entrance |
Tripería, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain |
This is a 15th century building which was the headquarters and prison of the institution known as the "Hermandad Vieja de Toledo" (Old Brotherhood of Toledo) until the last century, when it was restored and turned into an inn. The inn consists of a number of medieval dwellings around a central courtyard with side passages. The Salon del Tribunal is its most important room, with wooden beams decorated with shields and bits of the original colour remaining. The facade is divided in two, the straight entrance in one, and a lattice window in the other. At the entrance are shield, lions and heraldic figures, with the wooden shields of the Catholic King and Queen, Ferdinand and Isabel, predominating. The inn currently houses the City Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Islamic style building |
Taller del Moro, 2 Toledo 45002 Spain +34 925 22 4500 |
Temporarily closed for improvement works. This museum was founded in 1963 and is located close to the Santo Tome church occupies the only surviving, non-religious building in Toledo which dates back to the fourteenth century. It is a classic example of Islamic architecture, built in Mudajar style with distinctive, intricate plasterwork on the arches. The museum displays examples of 14th and 15th century art and ceramics. Particularly interesting are the three well parapets dedicated to health, money and love, respectively. Throw a coin into the pot beside whichever one you want some help with! Children and senior citizens free. Free for all on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Closed on Christmas Day. and New Year's Day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The sunniest avenue |
Calle Taller del Moro Toledo 45002 Spain |
This avenue, whose present state and layout is the result of various expansion plans and maintenance works during the first half of the 19th century on the site of of an old derelict country house, is reached from the Calle Taller del Moro. It's one of the sunniest avenues in Toledo, as it's west-facing. There are some good views of the Jewish quarter from this avenue, including the Sinagoga del Tránsito, the El Greco Museum, and the Palacio de Fuensalida. Other sights which can be seen from here are the banks of the River Tagus and the 'cigarrales' (country houses on the river bank) on the outskirts of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Next to the Provincial Government |
La Reconquista Toledo 45001 Spain |
To the left of the Diputacion Provincial (Provincial Parliament) of Toledo building is a narrow street which leads to the La Granja viewpoint. This avenue was landscaped in 1944, on wasteland in the old La Granja area. The area, between the Roman and Medieval walls, comprised three long, parallel streets joined by raised passageways and was abandoned in the 17th century. After the Paseo de la Granja was developed, the Health Department building was built on the site of what was the best Renaissance style palace in the city, which was set on fire and pillaged by French troops in 1808. Centrally located, it's very popular with tourists and close to the plaza de Zocodover and the Puerta de Bisagra. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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In the Jewish quarter |
Barrio de Acaba Toledo 45002 Spain |
Since 1273, the district where this avenue is located has been known as the "Barrio de Acaba" or "Barrio Alto de la Judería". It was originally a little Jewish quarter but gradually became one of the main quarters as it expanded. With the passage of time and several wars it stopped being solely Jewish, as a lot of homes were acquired by Christian families when the Jewish owners died. The construction of a Synagogue and school where the holy scriptures were taught reflects the importance of this quarter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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19th century bullring |
Avenida de Palacio de Suero Tellez de Meneses Toledo 45002 Spain |
This square was occupied by nobles in the Middle Ages, though in the 19th century it was used as both a riding school and even a bullring. It has three 14th century entrances corresponding to three different palaces. One of the most impressive belongs to King Peter the Cruel's palace, in Mudejar style. The second is the entrance to the palace of Suero Tellez de Meneses, governor of Toledo, who had it built in the first half of the 14th century, though it was never finished and is now walled up. At present this palace houses the offices of the Seminario Menor de Santo Tomas de Villanueva seminary, with the entrance in the Plaza de San Andres. The third is another noteworthy example of Mudejar style and it leads to the Convento de Convento de Santa Isabel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The heart of the city |
Ciudid Centro Toledo 45001 Spain |
This square is the central point of the city where locals and visitors get the chance to meet. The main streets of the old part of town start here and lead tourists to the principal historical sites. You can also board the tourist train here for a ride round Toledo. Traditional markets, such as the famous "Martes" (Tuesday market) still take place in this square. Great bullfights, fiestas and macabre executions have also taken place here. During the Muslim era this was the location of the old cattle market ("Tulaytula") built on top of the ruins of the Roman wall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Txabi A. Beroitz |
 Photo: Paulo Jennemann |
 Photo: Toby Leung |
 Photo: YaFß |
 Photo: Viviane |
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Rebuilt in the 17th century |
San Cipriano, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain +34 925 21 5501 |
The San Cipriano Church is tucked away on the outskirts of the old quarter near the Cortes de Castilla la Mancha. Built in the 17th century in Mudéjar style, it incorporates both Christian and Arabic features and stands on the site of a 12th century church that burned down. A stone altar frontal opposite the entrance dates from the fifteenth century. The interior houses a Byzantine statue of our Lady of Hope which may very possibly have been brought to Toledo in 1085 when Alfonso VI conquered the city. The church is only open to visitors during services. Mass timings for Spring and Summer are: 6:30p M-Sa, 11:30a Su. Autumn and Winter timings are: 6:30p M-Sa, 11:30a Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eduardoasb |
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Regional assembly, old convent |
Bajada del Calvario, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain |
The old Convento de San Gil, also known as 'Gilitos', as it once belonged to the Franciscan religious order, has housed the Cortes de Castilla la Mancha (Regional Assembly of Castilla la Mancha) since 1983. The building, which does not admit visitors, was built between 1610 and 1918. The convent later served as a provincial prison from 1860-1939 after the Catholic Church lost title to it. In more recent times, it has also been used as a fire and police station prior to becoming the regional assembly in 1986. The lovely view of the Tajo river from the balcony is also worth mentioning. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Defensive tower and bridge |
Paseo Peatonal Riberas del Tajo, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain |
San Martin bridge was built in 1203 to replace a previous bridge made out of wooden boats that was destroyed by floods. It too was partially demolished in the fourteenth century when the city was under siege during civil war in the Kingdom of Castille but was restored shortly afterwards. San Martin bridge has five arches and is flanked by two solid defensive towers with decorative facades. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Doyle |
 Photo: Susan Payer |
 Photo: Pepe15 |
 Photo: rafaelcastell |
 Photo: Gilo Libetario |
 Photo: Patty926 |
 Photo: pegatina1 |
 Photo: Charman82 |
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Neo-Classical church |
Cadenas, 6 Toledo 45001 Spain |
Originally built in Moorish style in the 11th century, the tower collapsed in the 12th century and the church was completely rebuilt in a Neo-Classical style in 1762. The famous Virgen de Alfileritos de Toledo occupies a niche in the back wall. A hole in the glass which protects the painting allows the unmarried women of Toledo to make their wishes come true. They push a pin with a colored head (yellow for blonde hair, black for brown), through the hole to chose the hair color of their future spouse. Mass timings for Spring & Summer are 8a, 12:30p & 8:30p M-Sa, 10:30a, noon, 7:30p & 9p Su. Autumn & Winter timigs are: 8a, 12:30p & 8p M-Sa, 10:30a, noon, 6:30p & 8p Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Toledo's main museum |
Cervantes, 3 Toledo 45001 Spain +34 925 22 1036 / +34 925 22 1402 |
The museum displays a collection of paintings by El Greco, Goya, Ribera, Lucas Jordán, Carducho and other artists from Toledo along with valuable objects like ivory crucifix, Belgian wall-hangings, antique furniture, gold and silverwork. The archaeological exhibits include the skull of a mammoth and artifacts from the Roman, Visigoth, Arabic and mudéjar periods. There's an Industrial Arts section where you can see examples of popular culture and local crafts. The most striking features of this plateresque building are its entrance, the elegant courtyard, the grand staircase and the mudéjar and Renaissance style ceilings. You'll find it by Plaza de Zocodover. Admission is free. It is closed on New Year's Day, April first, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Latimer |
 Photo: Jochen Bihn |
 Photo: Chris Cheng |
 Photo: Marc Svenby |
 Photo: Alex Ruiz |
 Photo: A. Villalta |
 Photo: sfjyau |
 Photo: sweetbacteria |
 Photo: Frank van Hedel |
 Photo: Chris Hodge |
 Photo: salabakter |
 Photo: djdorado |
 Photo: Andrew Hodges |
 Photo: Alexandra Zielinska |
 Photo: Ignacio Docampo |
 Photo: atna |
 Photo: Takaquito |
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Extension of Santa Cruz museum |
Santa Fe, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain |
In the 3rd century, the Knights of the Calatrava Order built the hermitage which eventually became the convent of the Holy Faith (Santa Fe). When they abandoned it the building passed through the hands of the Conceptionists and later the Sisters of Santiago (in 1503), who in turn rented it to the Ursaline nuns in 1904, though these ladies left it in 1935. Talk about history! In 1979 the building was purchased by the State in order to enlarge the Santa Cruz Museum, and that's what's happening now. The only thing that can currently be viewed are the two entrances. The church doors on Las Armas Street and Santa Fe street both date from the 16th century. Not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Augustinian convent |
Santa Úrsula, 5 Toledo 45002 Spain |
This convent belonging to a congregation of Augustinian Nuns was probably built between 1256 and 1259, although local historians cannot give an exact date for its foundation. It is located in the Historic District close to the Town Hall and is one of the Augustinian order's oldest convents in all of Spain. It was hugely wealthy and important towards the end of the 15th century. If you ask and are allowed in, look out for the magnificent 18th century choir stalls. Mass timings are: 7:30a M-Sa & 10:30a Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nunnery by royal appointment |
Plaza de Santo Domingo el Real, 3 Toledo 45002 Spain |
The Convento de Santo Domingo el Real is situated within the area commonly known as "los cobertizos". The regal title was conferred by the Spanish monarch Pedro I in recognition of the convent accepting his illegitimate daughter, Doña María de Castilla. It was built in the 14th century for nuns of the Dominican order. The main entrance is in Doric style with three doorways and dates from the 16th century. The royal coat of arms showing the golden fleece is displayed over the largest doorway. The church features nummerous domes, splendid choir stalls and houses some splendid altars and other works of art. It is not open to the public. Mass is held in the church at noon on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cardinal Siliceo's tomb |
Colegio de Doncellas, s/n Toledo 45002 Spain |
This school was founded by Cardinal Siliceo in the 16th century. The Cardinal ordered that 100 school girls be given 100,000 'maravideses' (old Spanish coins) as part of their dowry, if they went out and got married. The school is called the "School of Noble Maidens" because the young girls had to be descended from old Christian families, without any Jewish ancestry. These days, they get up at half past seven in the morning, go to Mass in the chapel where the Cardinal is buried in a lovely 19th-century tomb, and go to lectures, since many of them are studying at university. It must be said that there are now more students from Madrid than Toledo. The building is large and imposing, but is of no particular architectural significance. The interior is not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inhabited 16th century palace |
Hospital de Tavera, 2 Toledo 45003 Spain |
This museum, within a 16th century palace, is unusual because it is still inhabited. Furniture and decor date from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and there are also some fine paintings, including works by El Greco, Ribera and Tintoretto. National Historic Archive records to do with the aristocracy are also housed here. Be patient if the door is not answered immediately. The occupants may have popped down to the shops or be showing other visitors around. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Typical homes of Toledo |
El Valle Toledo 45002 Spain +34 925 22 0843 |
A cigarral is a private estate in Toledo located on the area surrounding the city on the other side of the river. It perhaps owes its name to the many singing cicadas (cigarras in Spanish) found in summertime, and consists of a large, several-storey home with garden and orchard. The house is usually quite humble, between rustic and conventual, with white walls and surrounded by terraces and patios. With beautiful lilacs, lilies, irises and the setting in general, the cigarral is highly valued in the Imperial City of Toledo. Illustrious people such as Gregorio Maranon have lived in some of Toledo's cigarrales at one point or another. In Zocodover Square you can take a mini-train (tren turistico) for a tour of the area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A neo-Mudejar jewel |
Paseo de la Rosa, s/n Toledo 45006 Spain |
This builidng is a fantastic example of 20th century public architecture. All the best local craftsmen worked on its construction from 1916 onwards. The central hall with its impressive wooden ceiling is styled after the rooms of a Mudejar palace and is flanked on either side by two lateral naves (one of which connects to the clock tower). It is decorated in a mixture of forms and materials (brick, stone, plaster, ceramic, wood and iron) that sets it apart from other neo-Mudejar constructions of the time. And of course, it still offers an impressive welcome to the visitors who arrive by train. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gateway near mosque |
Cristo de la Luz, s/n Toledo 45001 Spain |
This gate stands right alongside the more famous Puerta del Sol and it leads directly to the Cristo de la Luz Mosque. It was originally built in the 10th or 11th century with a Moorish horseshoe-shaped arch and has been subsequently remodelled. Its name comes from the Arabic, bab al-mardún, which means "blocked gateway". It was possibly closed up after the construction of the Puerta del Sol at the end of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A modern university |
Avenida de Carlos III, s/n Toledo 45071 Spain |
In the 18th century, part of the lands located on the banks of the Tajo River where it flows away from the city were designated for industrial use. In 1760, Carlos III created the Royal Weapons Factory in order to supply the Spanish Army. In 1780, this industry found its permanent home in this building, a project by the arquitect Sabatini, designer of the Royal Palace in Madrid. After various remodelings, it is now considered an urbanistic model of a city-garden. Tree-lined boulevards and neo-classic and neo-Mudejar buildings make up this complex, which in 1997 became part of the Toledo campus of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Duggan |
 Photo: Robert Miller |