Just an hour drive from Madrid, Toledo in Spain is a proper blend of Jewish, Christian and Islamic cultures, and the same is seen in the buildings in and around the city. Toledo is also known as “city of three cultures” as the Christians, Jews and the Muslims lived in this city for centuries. This the very reason why you find a mixture of churches, mosques, palaces & fortresses. Toledo is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and rightly deserves because of its Rich Heritage and architecturally rich buildings in and around the city. While you on the go exploring city, the frequent sightings that you see are twisted streets that are surrounded by historic walls and protected by gates and durable bridges that stand tall to this day.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Toledo:

1.Catedral de Toledo

When we talk about the most important Christians landmarks in Spain, then Catedral de Toledo certainly tops the list. In the 13th Century, this soaring tower was built right next to the Jewish quarter and on the site of the Mosque. It is right in the hear of the city, and the exteriors are hidden due to other residential buildings. But, it is equally opposite when it comes to the interiors of the building. It is just breathtaking. To enter the building, one must enter through the doorway named Puerta de Mollette. It got its name from the historic practise where food was distributed to the poor at the door, and Mollette translates to Muffin in Spanish. The church walls are Decorated with a rich collection of paintings. The interiors stretch up to 120 meters in length. The five centres and the 88 decorated columns leave a striking impression. The glass windows in this church are dated back to the 14th,15th, and the 16th Centuries.

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2.Casco Historico and Judaria

Wander the narrow atmospheric lanes, loosen up in quiet courtyards, and go to artisan stores tucked away in little alleys of these adjacent neighbourhoods in the heart of old Toledo. Especially in the evenings, you will certainly feel that you have stepped back into the medieval time, where Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together in mutual respect and harmony. Take time to admire the architectural beauty, consisting of lovely stone and brickwork, the sleek home windows and doors, balconies, and the ironwork. Inside the Judaria, the vintage Jewish community, you will find the streets paved in coloured ceramic tiles which set themselves apart from the paving stones. This Jewish sector consists of numerous historic synagogues, one in all which, El Transito, homes a Sephardic museum that illuminates the wealthy Jewish life in Toledo. While exploring the old town, you may even discover remnants of Toledo’s Roman beyond at the Roman Baths, northeast of the cathedral, and Cuevas de Hercules, where the Romans kept their water reserves.

3.Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Founded in the year 1416, Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes is found on the Northwest of the Judería and cathedral. The church dates back to 1553 and has an Isabelline doorway by Covarrubias. On the exterior are the chains of Christians who were freed from the Moorish captivity. The monastery has a beautiful chapel with a single nave and a stunning vault. Especially noteworthy are the retablo by Felipe Vigarny and Francisco de Comontes and the friezes of the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs in the transepts. The 16th-century convent is considered one of the most excellent examples of Late Gothic architecture in Spain. When you Look out onto the peaceful gardens, the sanctuary gives a serene ambience that brings out the spiritual you. In the upper gallery of the sanctuary, the ceiling features a artesonado ceiling. The monastery is open to the public daily year-round.

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4.El Greco Museum

The legendary 16th-century artist El Greco is one of Toledo’s most prominent traditional residents and helped memorialise it with his depictions of the cityscape. View of Toledo and View and Plan of Toledo are the two notable paintings that are shown at this museum. View of Toledo is the famous one among the two pictures which attracted the world towards it. It is no less than a miracle that the city has changed so little in the past 500 years. It’s a landscape with an artistic representation of the night sky above the city and the green hills around it.

View of Toledo — Image Credits: Wikimedia

5.Alcazar

The Alcázar has a dominant presence on its hilltop location. This early Moorish fortress, built on the site of a previous Roman fort, was later renovated by the then Christian Kings. The impressive fortress has a square shape with battlement defences. In the 16th Century, the then Emperor Charles V added four corner towers. The facade also reflects the Renaissance style from the period of Charles V. During the Spanish Civil War, the Alcázar was used as a Nationalist garrison and is considered as a monument for Franco supporters for their undying Heroism. The Alcazar has been restored to its original style and now houses to an Army Museum with excellent exhibits about the Civil War. The Alcázar is reached from the Plaza de Zocodover, a lovely square at the centre of Toledo that is lined with elegant arcaded houses. At 7 Plaza de Zocodover, the well-known Santo Tome confectionary shop tempts visitors with its delectable handmade marzipan candies.

The list still goes on and on. You will have to visit the beautiful city to know more about the city. Planning just become easier with Pickyourtrail. Just log onto our website to get your customised Europe tour packages at best affordable prices in the market. We are just a click away