The Alcazar of Toledo is one of the best tourist attractions in Spain and a must-visit while you’re here. It’s a historic military museum that showcases Spanish Army history and modern installations.
It’s free to visit on Sundays and special discounts are available for pensioners, university students, and people with disabilities. We highly recommend visiting here during the spring or autumn months when crowds are usually smaller and the weather is a lot nicer.
The Alcazar
The Alcazar of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the city's most fascinating monuments. Located at the top of a hulking stone fortress, it combines late Gothic and Mudejar design in its impressive interiors.
The highest point of Toledo, the Alcazar offers fantastic panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. Take your time on the large terrace overlooking the city, or venture up to Charles V's Courtyard for a glimpse of the Alcazar's fabulous architecture.
This regal structure was originally constructed in Roman times, but it has been re-constructed and remodelled several times throughout the centuries. Today, it is home to the Army Museum and houses an extensive collection of Spanish military history.
There is also a great selection of art on display at the El Greco Museum. The acclaimed late renaissance painter spent most of his life in Toledo and this gallery offers a fascinating insight into his work.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral of Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most stunning landmarks in Spain. It was originally built as a Roman palace and later restored by Spanish Royalty.
The cathedral is a combination of Gothic and Mudejar styles. The main facade consists of three portals: Puerta del Perdon (left), Puerta del Infierno and Puerta del Juicio; each of them is lavishly decorated.
Inside the tympanum, Covarrubias carved a bust of Saint John the Baptist. Then there is a medallion with tenantes, or standing figures, one on each side, sculpted as angels; they all allude to Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera.
The chapel of Saint Ildephonsus was designed to conciliate a subset of the faithful, those who practiced the Mozarabic rites. It was constructed at the end of the 14th century by Cardinal Gil Carrillo of Albornoz. It is a fine example of fretted stonework that harmonizes with the pillars. It is also adorned with statuary including a choir of angels.
The Jewish Quarter
Toledo has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to many historical monuments that trace the city’s long history of religious tolerance. Several Jewish buildings, including a synagogue, remain standing today and are open to visitors.
The El Transito Synagogue is a medieval synagogue located in the heart of the Jewish quarter. The building is believed to have been constructed around 1355 by Samuel ha-Levi, a major figure in Toledo’s history.
Another important site in the Jewish quarter is the Synagogue of Santa Maria de la Blanca, which dates from the year before Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492. The synagogue has a unique Mudejar architectural style and is considered one of the best preserved in Toledo.
Near the synagogue is a bathhouse, Banos del Angel, which is also a very important site in the Jewish quarter and has preserved its hypocaust. The bathhouse also helps visitors understand Toledo’s social life in the Middle Ages.
The Plaza de Zocodover
Located in the center of Toledo, the Plaza de Zocodover is a lively square where locals and tourists alike flock to enjoy scenic buildings, outdoor cafes, street vendors and farmers’ markets. It’s also home to the Alcazar fortress, which towers over this bustling square and draws comparisons with the Nasrid palaces in Granada.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart of Toledo’s history. From here, visitors can tour the city’s many landmarks at their own pace.
The Plaza de Zocodover is famous for its market, which dates back to medieval times. Here horses, donkeys, foals, mules and other beasts were sold.
It was also the scene of bullfights, cucanas and public burnings at the stake carried out by the Inquisition. It was here that Tomas de Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor of Spain, led one of the darkest chapters in Spanish history: the Autos de Fe.
Book a room at Hostal la posada de Zocodover to be within walking distance of the plaza and its many attractions. This hotel has a 24-hour front desk and express check-in and check-out.
