Toledo, founded in the 6th century, is a charming city just south of Madrid and famous for its medieval architecture, traditional handicrafts, and deep historical roots. Also known as the City of Three Cultures, Toledo boasts significant ties to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam along with several attractions and activities for lovers of history, scenic sights, and hiking trails.
The ancient metropolis is easy to get to from central Madrid, making for an ideal weekend getaway or day trip for travelers pressed for time. If this former capital isn’t already on the itinerary for your Spanish holiday, it should be! With plenty of things to do in Toledo, you’ll be glad to wander its winding, cobbled streets as you retrace the steps of kings and queens long past.
Look no further for the best things to do in Toledo, from exploring notable buildings and squares to taking in breathtaking views from above. Fancy museums and Roman ruins? Enjoy zip-lining? You’re sure never to be bored in Toledo, the Imperial City, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. Walk through all the Puertas
Finding its origins in the 5th century BC, Toledo eventually fell under Roman rule until the 5th century AD and then finally under the reign of the Moors in the early-8th century. If there’s anything true about the Moors, it’s that they loved creating walled citadels and therefore built high barriers to enclose the essential stronghold.
Ultimately reconquered by the Christian kings in the 11th century, they copied their predecessors’ style by erecting even more protective walls. Every single blockade had to have an entrance, known as puertas (‘‘doors/gates’’), and many are still visible around Toledo’s Old Town. Spot prominent portals such as Puerta Vieja de Bisagara (named for King Alfonso VI who retook the city in 1065) which is not to be confused with Puerta Nueva de Bisagara (commissioned by King Philip II in 1561).
Several other gates are worth noting like Puerta del Sol (14th-century gateway inspired by Moorish designs), Puerta del Cambron (gateway to the Jewish quarter since 1576), and Puerta de la Luz (named after a mosque turned church). along with some other minor gates such as Puerta de Alarcones, Puerta de Valmardón, and Puerta del Vado. Whichever door tickles your fancy, prepare to be transported back in time as you cross its threshold from the Old World to the new.
2. People-watch the Plaza Zocdover
Once an ancient marketplace frequented due to its proximity to places of worship, Zocdover Square gets its name from a variety of influences, deriving from Arabic (‘‘suq’’), Spanish (‘’zoc’’), and English (‘‘soke) influences. Ever since before medieval times, the square has been a popular gathering place, first acting as a place of commerce for merchants and socializing for religious worshippers.
Located right in the heart of Toledo, this lively plaza is a must-visit if you really want to experience the vibrancy of the city and it’s close to most main sights. The square was largely damaged during the Spanish Civil War during the 20th century, with its main archway rebuilt in 1945 and bearing an inscription to honor the occasion, so see if you can spot where it was reconstructed. Whether it’s your first time in Toledo or your tenth, no trip is complete without a stop in this iconic square.
PLAZA ZOCDOVER
3. Get spiritual at the Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo
Standing nearly 45 meters tall at its base, 120 meters long, and almost 60 meters wide, this Gothic behemoth is located in the heart of Old Town right between Plaza Mayor (Main Square) and Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square). Built on the remains of a Visogoth church turned cathedral, the Catholic church’s construction began in 1226 by decree of Archbishop Ximénez Rada during the rule of King Fernando III (AKA El Santo, or ‘‘the Saint’’).
More additions were added throughout the Middle Ages, with the building being completed in 1493 after the inclusion of its 92-meter tall tower, and the north, west, and south facades would continue to be remodeled until the 18th century. The church has three main entrances, the 14th-century Puerta del Reloj (north facade), the 16th-century Puerta de los Leones (south facade), and an impressive set of three doors known as Forgiveness, Final Judgment, and Hell (yikes), with each more intricately adorned than the last (I’ll you pick your favorite).
Comprised of six unequal outer sections, the interior has many smaller chapels ranging in size but the most prominent are Mozarabic, San Ifdefenso, Santiago, and the New Kings Chapels. However, the Main Chapel isn’t to be missed either, and neither is the one dedicated to the Descent of the Gospel. If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture with a Mudejar twist and heavy religious tones, don’t miss out on this gorgeous 13th-century cathedral. The site is about 10€ to enter and is open Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 6PM and on Sunday from 2-6PM.
BONUS TIP: If you don’t mind attending mass, the cathedral is free to enter Monday to Friday from 8-9:15AM with admittance through Puerta del Reloj.
4. Tour the Alcázar of Toledo
There's no monument more emblematic of Toledo than the Alcázar, stunning enough to grace nearly every postcard you’ll find souvenir shopping. The perfectly quadrangular complex is perched on the highest hill in the city, measuring 60 meters on every side with four 60-meter towers adorning its corners and each topped with a Madrilene-style spire.
Originally functioning as a Roman palace from the 3rd century, the structure was reconquered from the Moors and eventually rebuilt by Christian Kings Alfonso VI of Leon and Castile and Alfonso X of Castile between the 11th-13th centuries. Long-coveted for its strategic location, it was, therefore, one of the first square fortresses in history, its name deriving from the Arabic moniker ‘‘Al Qasar,’’ which directly translates to ‘‘fortress.’’ The iconic building would undergo a few more renovations during its long lifetime, including a Renaissance-inspired restoration by Charles I (AKA Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor) and his son, King Philip II of Spain, in the early-16th century. Large parts of the fortress would also have to be rebuilt between 1939-1957 after Spanish Republicans laid siege to the building during the Spanish Civil War.
Currently, the fortress-turned-castle is protected as a national site of cultural interest while housing the Army Museum (home to one of the biggest collections of Spanish artillery and engineering feats ) as well as the Library of Castilla-La Mancha (on the top floor and contains nearly half a million books). For fans of castles (like me) and history (also like me), the Alcázar can’t be missed. Snap a picture of the majestic courtyard of Charles V for the perfect memento.
ALCÁZAR OF TOLEDO
5. See a ghost at San Servando Castle
This medieval castle got its humbling beginnings as a monstery with an accompanying basilica traced back to as early as the 7th century. However, its existence wouldn’t become significant until 1080, when Cardinal Richard of the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille was sent by Pope Gregory VII to restore the monastery and to update the Iberian Christians on a new doctrine, switching from the ancient Mozarabic Rite to the Roman Rite. Thus, in 1085, the first Christian King, Alfonso VI of Castille, along with his wife, Constance of Burgundy, became patrons of the basilica and rebuilt the monastery in 1088.
At the time of the fortress’s reconstruction, it was one of the most renowned works of Mudejar military architecture of the age although it was recreated predominantly to protect defend the Alcántara Bridge against Moorish reclamation. Made of red brick with a rectangular floorplan, hollow, cylindrical towers take up three of the castle’s corners along with a homage tower on the north facade and an intermediate tower on the south. King Alfonso VI wanted to honor both Saint Servando and Saint Germano, naming the castle after the first Spanish martyr even though the monastery would eventually be inhabited by French monks of the Saint Benedict Order.
When the monastery was irrevocably damaged in 1110 due to subsequent attacks by Muslim legions, the monks went back to Marseille and the building fell under the possession of the Archbishop of Toledo. Eventually, King Alfonso VIII of Castille (great-great-grandson of Alfonso VI) handed control of the castle over to the Knights of Templar but once the ancient order disbanded in 1312, the structure was abandoned. It was later declared a national monument in 1874 and these days functions as a university dormitory which also conducts tours of the residence, apparently haunted by the ghost of Don Nuño Alvear, a mischievous knight frightened to death by a vision of all his victims. Test your luck by booking a visit to the castle but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
FUN FACT: The castle regained popularity after it was painted by El Greco (more on him later) in View of Toledo, one of his only two surviving landscape portraits (currently on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City).
6. Go ziplining over the Tagus River
Did you know that Toledo boasts the longest urban zipline in Europe? Beginning at the north bank of the Tagus near Old Town and ending at the south bank, the zip line spans over 180 meters over the flowing river. If you’re not afraid of heights and want to explore the city from a new (airborne) angle, this lively activity is sure to get your heart racing. Thankfully, suitable for travelers with physical disabilities as well as children as young as eight-years-old, Fly Toledo is a reputable establishment and a beloved fixture in the community, using state-of-the-art, self-regulating magnetic brakes.
The price of each zipline ride includes all your gear from your safety harness to your helmet with the option to have the jump video-recorded as an add-on. The entire experience only lasts around 5 minutes but, at only around 10€ a pop, it’s a great bargain, especially if you’ve never tried zip-lining before. Open from 11AM until about 8PM, there’s no need for a reservation outside of peak seasons so find Fly Toledo’s office just near San Martin Bridge to appease your need for speed.
ALCÁNTARA BRIDGE
7. Cross Puente Alcántara
Extending across the span of the Tagus River, Alcántara Bridge has stood the test of time, serving its name from the Arabic word for ‘‘arch.’’ After the Romans had founded Toletum, the bridge was constructed at the base of San Servando Castle (more on that in a bit) and was one of the only entrances into the city throughout the Middle Ages.
Initially, the bridge comprised of three arches for travelers to pass through but over the centuries it was damaged and rebuilt in the 10th century with only two, the third being converted into a horseshoe-shaped gate. The bridge was further damaged under the rule of King Alfonso X of Castille and was rebuilt for a second time, with the addition of its Western tower which was later decorated during the reign of Queen Isabella I of Castille and King Ferdinand II of Aragon (their marriage would go on to unify the nation’s fractured kingdoms).
It should be mentioned although the western tower bears the Catholic Monarchs' coat of arms, the design is missing the fruit of the pomegranate. This absence is noteworthy since it was forever included in their emblem after they reconquered Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in the Iberian peninsula. On the other hand, the eastern tower had to be replaced in 1721 due to its state of disrepair with a Baroque victory arch. Named a national monument in 1921, make sure to walk through the bridge’s impressive archways before continuing to the next destination on this list.
FUN FACT: Spain has another Alcántara Bridge in Alcántara, Extremadura to the southwest.
8. Journey into Mosque of Cristo de la Luz
Situated square in the center of Toledo’s Old Town, this ancient mosque stems all the way from the Moorish period when it was one of only ten erected in the city. Initially constructed in 999 and heavily influenced by the Mosque of Córdoba, the mostly brick and stone site has been nearly perfectly preserved, even after being reclaimed by the Christian Kings and converted into a Catholic church.
According to local legend, in 1085, King Alfonso VI was riding his horse after recently recapturing the city, only for his mighty steed to fall right before the chapel. Spotting a candle burning within through the cracks of its stone walls, the king entered to uncover a crucifix (later moved to the Santa Cruz Museum), taking it as a clear sign that his victory had been anointed by the Lord himself. Then, in his very honor, Alfonso VI held the first mass since reconquering Toledo at the mosque, cementing the country’s religious roots.
Still bearing its original stonework, the small, quadrangular structure features a 30-meter dome but originally only spanned 8 meters on every side with four internal columns that divide the interior into nine separate chambers, each with its own unique design. However, wanting to make the building more Christian-like, a semi-circular section was added in a Mudejar style (neo-Moorish architecture adopted by the Christain kings) in the 12th century, using the same style and materials to allow for a seamless transition of the internal motif. With the semicircle acting as the head of the ‘‘cross,’’ the central dome and arched ribs combined to form a star-shaped crown of sorts, the most idyllic place to feel transported back in time.
MOSQUE OF CRISTO DE LA LUZ
9. Hike to Cerro del Bú
For travelers who yearn to hit the trails, Cerro del Bú should be just your thing thanks to its scenic sights and easy access. The prehistoric archeological site derives its name from the hill where it’s located on the left bank of the Tagus River, a little to the south of Toledo. First occupied as early as the 2nd century BC, the civilization grew into a large town during the Bronze Age thanks to its proximity to the life-giving river.
The ancient settlement would ultimately be abandoned toward the end of the Bronze Age when the majority of its inhabitants left the hillside to move to the north side of the river to what would eventually become Toledo. The hill’s strategic position, however, was favored by the Romans, who built medieval roads to the Tagus, and drew the attention of the Moors, who built an outpost in the 10th century to establish control over passage through the river as well as to curb the rebellion of their Toledan residents.
Rediscovered in the 1980s, these days only the foundations of the town of Bú remain, mostly toward the eastern wall, but the site is free to visit and makes for a great walk around the area with breathtaking vantage points of the arable landscape. The site was named as an asset of cultural interest in 1992 and combines the best two worlds, history with a view.
BONUS TIP: Senda Ecologica of Toledo (starting near Torre del Hierro and ending at Parque de Recaredo) and Ruta de Don Quijote (spanning from Ronda de Juanelo to Plaza de Andaque) are two more fantastic hiking trails that snake along the Tagus River, offering some spectacular sights.
10. Get cultural in the Jewish quarter
The Spanish Inquisition under the Catholic Monarchs did a lot of terrible things and one of the most brutal was the expulsion of the nation’s Jewish population. In the past Toledo was home to an affluent Jewish minority who were persona-non-grata as soon as the Alhambra decree was signed in Granada in 1492. From then, residents of all other faiths were threatened into converting to Catholicism, ordered to leave the country, or persecuted for remaining.
This ban on religious freedom saw some 300,000 Spanish Jews flee for their lives yet their memories live on in the monuments and relics they left behind, painstakingly preserved throughout Toledo’s Jewish quarter. Landmarks like the Synagogue of El Tránsito should certainly be on your itinerary since it was commissioned in 1357 by Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, the descent of a prominent Jewish family who went on to become the treasurer to King Peter of Castile. Added as an annex of his palace, the former synagogue turned Catholic church turned heritage museum now houses the Sephardic Museum which is full of 13th-century Semitic exhibits that are worth perusing.
CROSSING PUENTE ALCÁNTARA
Another site you should consider visiting is Santa Maria La Blanca, built in 1180, and would function as a synagogue for over 200 years. Then, the Antisemitic Massacre of 1391 broke out, stirring the many, divided Christian kingdoms into a frenzy of blood and violence that swept throughout the Iberian peninsula, and the synagogue was transformed into a church. It still remains in possession of the Catholic church to this day but it’s not used for worship, instead, it is left open to the public as a cultural center.
There’s so much history packed into such a small neighborhood that you’re better off discovering the rest for yourself but some popular stops also include Home of the Jew (designed in the 14th century) as well as the Ancient Torture Instruments Musem (a gory but compelling collection if you have the stomach). Moreover, there are (for obvious antisemitic reasons) plenty of other religious buildings in the area such as the stunning Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a feat of Hispanic-Flemish Gothic architecture commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs in 1476. No matter what your background, you’re sure to be amazed by Toledo’s Jewish history, for better or worse.
NOT SO FUN FACT: King Peter eventually had his treasurer tortured to death in 1360 after accusing him of embezzlement, poor Samuel! Anyway, the Jewish quarter is also home to the next activity on the list…
LOOKOUT IN THE JEWISH QUARTER
11. Go underground at Cuevas de Hércules
Shrouded in mystery, Hercules’ Caves’ origins have long been conquested by historians, researchers, and residents alike. According to local legend, Hercules (yes, that Hercules) constructed an enchanted palace of jade and marble where he would teach magic to all those who wished to learn it. Ultimately having to leave the city, Hercules then cursed the palace, stating that whoever dared enter would cause great misery to befall their kingdom.
Thus, every king who passed through the city during the Middle Ages had the magical palace guarded with padlocks except for one, King Roderic, a Visigoth king. Hearing rumors that the palace housed the coveted table of King Solomon, Don Rodrigo (AKA the Usurper King) broke the locks and ventured into the cave in 711 where he found a forbidden chest with a scroll inside prophesying the invasion of the Moors. Opening the chest orchestrated the destruction of the palace, leaving only the caves behind, and the prophecy would come true in the end as he was defeated by the Moors in battle later that year, dying as the last Visigoth king to ever rule Toledo.
In reality a Roman cistern from the 1st century AD with a great backstory, the caves were used by the Visigoths, who erected a Christian temple on top, which was then replaced by a mosque under Moorish rule. In the 12th century, the site became the home of the newly-built Church of San Gines and was added to through the medieval ages until the complex was abandoned and eventually torn down in 1841. Named a site of cultural interest in 2008, the site is currently privately-owned but open to the public for free from Tuesday to Saturday from 12-2 PM and from 5-7PM. Why not take a look inside Toledo’s arguably most magical monument?
12. See some splendid artworks at El Greco Museum
Coming to fame during the Spanish Golden Age, El Greco (birthname: Domễnikos Theotokópoulos, hence the nickname) was born in 1541 in the Kingdom of Candia (now modern-day Crete) which was part of the Republic of Venice and a hub for Pst-Byzantine art. The fledgling artist trained until he’d mastered his craft, eventually making his way to Venice at the tender age of 26. Three years later he moved to Rome where he was heavily inspired by the Venetian Renaissance and Mannerism movement.
In 1577, El Greco moved to Toledo, where he would finally make his first claims to fame as a triple-threat (painter, sculptor, and architect) through several prominent commissions such as a series of ethereal paintings for the church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo. Considered a forefather of Expressionism and Cubism, the Greek painter was known for his unique style, typically depicting his subjects with unworldly, elongated bodies in fantastical hues that coupled Byzantine influences with a classical flair. Although he never initially intended to stay in Toledo, he fell ill in 1614 and died soon after at the age of 73 in his beloved, adopted home, leaving behind one son, a fellow artist who would continue his father’s legacy.
EL GRECO MUSEUM
Opening its doors in the Jewish quarter in 1911, the museum inaugurated to El Greco is a recreation of his home and studio which currently no longer exist. Instead, the museum comprises two buildings, a 16th-century house with an internal courtyard and a 20th-century building, plus a shared garden. The museum proudly displays some of the artist’s most well-known works, particularly from his later periods, as well as artwork from other 17th-century Spanish painters, antique furniture, and pottery. The museum is open every day except Mondays so plan your trip carefully so you can wander around and pick your favorite masterpiece.
FUN FACT: From as early as 1585, El Greco’s landlord was the Marquis de Villena AKA the Duke of Escalona, and the artist was close friends with Diego de Castilla, the dean of the Cathedral of Toledo. Talk about friends in high places!
MUSEUM OF SANTA CRUZ
13. Tour the Museum of Santa Cruz
Situated within the former Santa Cruz Hospital, the displays of art housed within the modern-day Museum of Santa Cruz are nearly as stunning as the 16th-century building’s intricate facade. The hospital was originally founded by Pedro González de Mendoza, archbishop of Toledo, in a bid to give shelter to the orphaned and homeless children of Toledo, and the building was constructed in largely two phases; first by the Egas Brothers in the 15th century who built the primary hospital and first cloister.
Perhaps undoubtedly, the biggest contributor to the hospital’s design was Alonso de Covarrubias, a local 16th-century sculptor, and architect. Inspired by the Renaissance, he designed the hospital’s emblematic Plateresque facade and entryway as well as one of the two finished courtyards (I’ll let you guess which; hint, it’s the one with the staircase). Although the complex was never finished as two of its four courtyards remain unmade, it bears influences from the city’s Moorish, Flemish and Gothic roots, culminating in an amalgam of styles that became popular throughout Spanish during the period.
Inevitably, the hospital would fall into the hands of the Spanish state and was declared a site of cultural interest in 1902. Currently, the museum is divided into three impressive collections consisting of archeological, fine art, and decorative art pieces, so along with Roman artifacts, there are plenty of paintings by 16th and 17th-century artists like El Greco and Luis Tristán as well as an extensive exhibit honoring traditional crafts such as ceramics, metalwork, and fabrics. Entrance into the museum is free so head here for a budget-friendly afternoon of art and architecture.
14. Stroll around Parque Recaredo
Toledo’s Old Town is a veritable lasagna of kingdoms long come and gone so it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have many green spaces (though are quite a few not too far away). However, one place you can escape the city’s winding, cobbled streets is Parque Recaredo, just to the north of the Jewish quarter. Grab a seat at Terraza de Recaredo to take in the incredible view over Greater Toledo or wander around the verdant grounds until you find the perfect picnic spot.
Ever wanted to run away to the circus? Well, you’ll have your chance (albeit, a couple thousand years too late) if you venture to Circo Romano a but further north. This former Roman circus still features medieval structures from the 1st century AD, many of which are still unexcavated, hidden beneath the surface. After you’ve had your fill of the lush splendor,
you might as well continue onto our next destination since you’re in the area…
FUN FACT: Toledo also had a Roman amphitheater that was detonated with dynamite to use the site for other facilities.
SANTIAGO EL MAYOR CHURCH
15. Make a personalized souvenir
Once upon a time, when medieval Christians, Muslims, and Jews resided together despite their cultural and religious differences, the societies flourished, exchanging customs and traditions. This openness to adaptation meant the population welcomed Damascene, incorporating the Damascus-inspired art style into their crafts and goods which typically consisted of ceramics, wood, and iron. A legacy of traditional handicrafts has persisted over the centuries with many professional workshops and artisanal boutiques lining the streets of Old Town.
Besides the intricately-designed Damascene pottery and fabrics, Toledo’s craftsmen also specialize in metalwork, jewelry, furniture as well as medieval swords. Plunder the shops for your favorite souvenirs and keepsakes or create your own. Centers like Go Craft hosts both sword-making and Damascene workshops, meaning you can design your very own Excalibur. On guard!
16. Ditch the stairs to ride the Toledo Escalators of Paseo de Recaredo
Now one normally might not think that escalators are worth getting giddy over but the Escaleras Mechanicas del Paseo de Recaredo are certainly a sight for sore eyes. Connecting Greater Toledo below to the hilltop which hosts the city’s Old Town, one might find it impossible to argue that the views aren’t magnificent as the escalators transport their passengers upwards (or downwards) past the idyllic landscape. Even from outside of the external mechanical stairs, their avant-garde, zig-zaggy design delights the eyes.
In 2000, a series of six outer escalators were arranged along Paseo de Recaredo (spanning from Puerta de Bisagra to Puerta del Cambrón) were built to reduce the commute between Greater Toledo and the city center,. Framed in an opening in a medieval wall, the escalators rise 40 meters, circumventing all the way from Puerta de Bisagra to the regional government’s HQ. The escalators make the perfect way to hike along the Paseo de Recaredo (like the park, it’s named for a 6th-century Visigoth king who converted to Catholicism), a scenic pathway that is ideal for trekkers.
However, Toledo gets stifling hot in summer so the covered escalators provide a convenient shortcut so you don’t have to suffer the trek in the heat. Prepare to have your breath taken away, not by exhaustion but by joy, as Toledo’s picturesque landscapes whizzes by you. You can thank me later!
BONUS TIP: If arriving by car, there’s a car park not too far off from the bottom of the stairs near Puerta de Bisgra, which is handy since finding parking in Old Town is nearly impossible or costly.
VIEW OVER GREATER TOLEDO
17. Have lunch like a local
If you’ve never tried Spanish cuisine, then Toledo is the perfect place to start thanks to its thriving gastronomic scene and traditional dishes passed down over the centuries. Thus, there’s no meal more important to the Spanish than lunch and the city is practically bursting with establishments serving Spanish fare.
For more affordable options, Qantara Tapas Bar (near Alcantara Bridge), Tapas Bar, Restaurante Museo de Productos de Castila-La Mancha (near Parque Recaredo) and Restaurante Fabula (near Mirador de la Granja) are all unrivaled for quality and price. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, Taberna Embrujo (near Mirador de la Granja), La Clandestina (near Museum of the Templars), and Taberna el Botero (near Town Hall) can’t be beaten for their variety of Spanish dishes and tapas.
Not sure what to order? Tortilla de patatas (potato omelet; vegetarian-friendly), salmorejo (cold tomato soup; vegan-friendly), and rabo de toro (oxtail) are all great places to start. Obsessed with cheese? Make sure to also visit Queso Manchego Museum (near Toledo Cathedral) to get your fix at their gift shop.
BONUS TIP: In Spain, restaurants tend to close between 4-7PM and eateries tend to get packed by 2PM plan to have lunch earlier rather than later.
18. Pick your favorite lookout for sunset
Last, but definitely not least, are Toledo’s lookouts, scattered around Old Town as well as the surrounding area. From miradores right in the city center, such as Mirador del Alcázar, Mirador de la Granja and Paseo del Mirador, to ones that take a bit of a hike to get to, like Mirador del Valle and Mirador de Toledo. The latter two are well worth the journey, however, since they inarguably showcase the best vantage points in the immediate surroundings.
VIEW FROM MIRADOR RÍO TAJO
The lookouts don’t stop there since Mirador Río Tajo and Mirador del Puente San Martin also both provide mesmerizing views of the mighty Tagus River and its arching bridges. Even the Jewish quarter sports a lookout, Mirador del Paseo del Tránsito, although I would have to recommend the view from the terraces of the restaurants adjacent to the Ermita del Valle because I can’t resist a meal with a view. Plan your itinerary to make your trek just before sunset so you can watch the enchanting city lights switch on as dusk settles in for the night.
Final Thoughts
Toledo is a city that certainly proves that although some empires might come and go, much of their influence still remains. Since the Bronze Ages, every square centimeter has been repurposed over the centuries, embuing the surroundings with a magical charm that is like nowhere else. Ideally, it’s best to spend at least two or three days in the city but even then you might not uncover all of the sights.
Still, another place you can tick off your bucket list would be Miguel Cervantes’ plaque near San Servando castle on the side of the mountain where an inscription of one of his most famous poems was placed in 2005, exactly 400 years after the Toledo native first wrote it. Museum of Visigoth Councils and Culture and Termas Romanas are two museums worth exploring if you enjoy medieval history and relics.
VIEW FROM MIRADOR DE TOLEDO
In the end, Toledo is what you make it, with beautiful views and mysteries around every corner. For fellow fans of walking, Paseo de Recaredo passes by the best viewpoints so aim to follow its winding path at least once to get some amazing shots of the hilly landscape. Even travelers not fond of walking are sure to hold their complaints once they see the view from above. Write me when you get there!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M