tourism in toledo

Top 13 Attractions and Places to Visit in Toledo, Ohio

Historic Fort Meigs

Located just south of downtown Toledo in the suburb of Perrysburg, Ft. Meigs is the largest wooden-walled fortification in North America. Built-in 1813 to defend the Ohio country against the likely British invasion from Lake Erie, Ft. Meigs has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can tour the seven blockhouses, five cannon batteries and explore the new visitors' center. The Fort is open from April 1 to October 31. The Visitors Center is open year-round. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $4 for students.

Fort Meigs 29100 W River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419) 874-4121

The Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art, founded in 1901, houses a diverse collection of art with special emphasis on 19th and 20th century European and American paintings. The museum's glass pavilion, opened in August of 2006, features an extensive collection of glass objects, ranging from ancient times to the present. The museum, located in Toledo's  Old West End neighborhood , is free to the public. The museum is also the site of frequent concerts by the Toledo Symphony.

The Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43620 (419) 255-8000

Hollywood Casino Toledo

Located on Miami Street, just off of I-75 near the Maumee River. The casino, which opened in May, 2012, features 125,000 square feet of gaming space, including 2000 slots, 60 gaming tables, and a poker room. In addition, Hollywood Casino Toledo has a sports bar, three restaurants, and lounge. Adjacent to the casino is a five-story parking garage with space for more than 2,500 cars.

Hollywood Casino 1968 Miami St. Toledo, OH 43605 (419) 661-5200

The Toledo Zoo

The Toledo Zoo, located just south of downtown, was started in 1900 with a single woodchuck. The zoo has grown to be one of the ten best zoos in the country and one of the most comprehensive. New exhibits include a hippoaquarium, the first in the US. The Toledo Zoo is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Hours are 10am - 4pm. Admission is $21 for adults and $18 for seniors and children. (Lucas County residents get a $2 discount.)

The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way Toledo, OH 43609 (419) 385-4040

The Historic Old West End

Toledo's historic Old West End, located west of downtown near the  Toledo Museum of Art , is one of the largest concentrations of late 19th century Victorian buildings in the US. The 25-block area boasts hundreds of restored structures, ranging from 1200 to 10,000-square feet. A walk through this neighborhood is a perfect ending to a day at the museum. Walking maps are available at the museum.

The Old West End celebrates its heritage and quirkiness each summer at the annual Old West End Festival, a combination of street party and craft fair.

Sauder Village in Archbold

Sauder Village, located west of Toledo in Archbold Ohio, is a recreated 19th-century settlers village. The site includes 37 buildings, a bakery, a restaurant, an inn, and a campground and seeks to educate visitors about life in the "Black Swamp" between 1803 and 1920. The site is open from May through October. Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $812 for children age 6-16. Children under 5 visit free.

Sauder Village 22611 OH-2 Archbold, OH 43502 (419) 446-2541

The Libbey Glass Outlet Store

Libbey Glass has a 170+ year history in the city of Toledo. The company, and its founder, played a part in creating many of the city's largest corporations as well as the  Toledo Art Museum  and Toledo Symphony. The company is still going strong today. Visit their 16,000-square foot warehouse outlet store in downtown Toledo for savings of up to 60 percent on glassware, glass giftware, art glass, and accessories. The outlet, at 205 S. Erie St., is open seven days a week.

Libbey Glass Outlet Store 205 S. Erie Street Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 254-5000

Imagination Station

Toledo's Imagination Station (formerly called COSI) is located on the waterfront in the heart of downtown. The museum features eight themed learning worlds, including "Sports," "Waterworks," "Kidspace," and "Mind Zone." Imagination Station is open every day except for Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $13 for adults and $12 for seniors and $11 for children 3-12.

Imagination Station 1 Discovery Way Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 244-2674

Tony Packo's Cafe

A Toledo institution, this Hungarian restaurant located just across the Maumee River from downtown, is known for its spicy pickles and peppers and its Hungarian hotdogs, topped with chili. Tony Packo's, opened in 1932, was brought to the country's attention when "MASH"'s Corporal Klinger, a Toledo native, mentioned it repeatedly on the TV series. It's a unique and affordable place to eat after a day of sightseeing.

Tony Packo's Cafe 1902 Front St. Toledo, OH 43605 (419) 691-1953

The National Museum of the Great Lakes

Located on the east bank of the Maumee River in downtown Toledo, the National Museum of the Great Lakes tells the story of the five Great Lakes with more than 300 artifacts, 50 interactive exhibits and a retired ore freighter, the "SS Colonel James A. Schoomaker." The museum, which opened in 2014, replaced the small museum that used to stand near the lighthouse in Vermillon, Ohio. Highlights of the museum include the freighter, which you can explore during the warm weather months, and the extensive collection of ship models.

Admission is $17 for adults, $14 for children (6-17 years), and $10 for seniors (65 and older), and free for those age five and younger. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.

National Museum of the Great Lakes 1701 Front St. Toledo, OH 43605 (419) 214-5000

Toledo Mud Hens Baseball

 Another highlight of any visit to Toledo is taking in a game or two of the famous Toledo Mud Hens, a AAA team affiliated with the Detoit Tigers. The team plays from April through September at Fifth Third Field, a new ballpark located in downtown Toledo. Tickets start at just $12 for field seats.

Toledo Mud Hens Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St. Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 725-4367

Toledo Botanical Garden

The 60-acre Toledo Botanical Garden, located on the city's near west side, is part of the Toledo Metroparks system. Established in 1964, the Garden is actually a collection of specialty gardens, including an herb garden, a rose garden, a perennial garden and a pioneer garden. The Toledo Botanical Garden is also the site of the annual Crosby Festival of the Arts, held each June, and Heralding in the Holidays, a seasonal arts and crafts fair.

The Toledo Botanical Garden is open daily year-round during daylight hours. Admission and parking are free.

Toledo Botanical Garden 5403 Elmer Dr. Toledo, OH 43615 (419) 536-5566

Wildwood Preserve Metropark

Located on the northwest side of Toledo, the 493-acre Wildwood Preserve Metropark is the largest of Toledo's city parks. Built on the former estate of the Stranahan family (of Champion Spark Plug fame), the park has retained the original Manor House as well as the manicured gardens that surround it. The house, built in 1938, is a major attraction during the holiday season.

However, the biggest draw of Wildwood Preserve is the extensive system of hiking and biking trails. Its diverse collection of wildflowers and grasses and the many woodland creatures that call the park home.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark 5100 W Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43615 (419) 270-7500

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Tourism in Toledo

Hotels in toledo.

Toledo mixes eras, styles and identities since it is both one of the best medieval destinations in Europe but also one of the best Erasmus destinations in Europe with its famous world-renowned University. A young and historic city, Toledo is authentic and sparkling, traditional and modern. 

‘Toledo’ comes from the Latin word "Toletum" which means "fortified population". Come and discover this city built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Located in the centre of Spain , Toledo is within easy reach from Madrid (30 min by train). You can either stay in a hotel, a guesthouse or an apartment in Toledo or find your accommodation at the best price in Madrid and book your activities in the region such as a Toledo full-day tour from Madrid .

Discover the "city of three cultures" and live unforgettable experiences in Toledo such as a " Madrid: Segovia and Toledo Tour " or a " From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments ".

How to get there: Book your flights to Madrid (30 mins) and your transfer .

Where to stay: " Eugenia de Montijo ". Offers style and comfort in the heart of Toledo.

Best hotels

Eugenia de Montijo ★★ ★ ★ ★

Offers style and comfort in the heart of Toledo

A la carte restaurant with local cuisine

Hotel Boutique Adolfo   ★★★★

Situated in the real heart of Toledo

T his hotel features a terrace and a restaurant

Hotel Pintor El Greco   ★★ ★★

Stay in the heart of Toledo

Some rooms    feature a hydromassage bath

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Must-see attractions in Toledo

Catedral de Toledo

Toledo's illustrious main church ranks among the top 10 cathedrals in Spain. An impressive example of medieval Gothic architecture, its enormous interior…

Sinagoga del Tránsito

This magnificent synagogue was built in 1355 by special permission from Pedro I. The synagogue now houses the Museo Sefardí, which provides a glimpse into…

Museo de Santa Cruz

It's hard to imagine that this 16th-century building was once a hospital. If only modern hospitals were equipped with the kind of ornate plateresque…

Museo del Greco

In the early 20th century, an aristocrat bought what he thought was El Greco's house and did a meritorious job of returning it to period style. He was…

Museo Sefardí

Housed in the magnificent Sinagoga del Tránsito, this museum provides a rare and important glance into erstwhile Sephardic culture in Spain. Entry is…

Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes

This imposing 15th-century Franciscan monastery and church was provocatively founded in the heart of the Jewish quarter by the Catholic monarchs Isabel…

At the highest point in the city looms the foreboding Alcázar. Rebuilt under Franco, it has been reopened as a vast military museum. The usual displays of…

Museo de los Concilios y la Cultura Visigoda

Sometimes dismissively called the ‘Invisigoths’ due to the scant record of their presence, the Visigoths inhabit a little-known chapter of Spanish history…

Hospital de Tavera

Erstwhile hospital, textbook example of Spanish-Renaissance architecture, veritable art gallery and glowing homage to El Greco, the Tavera is an…

Convento de Santo Domingo El Antiguo

This wonderfully disheveled 11th-century monastery contains one of El Greco's earliest Toledo works: The Assumption of the Virgin (1679), which fills a…

Mirador del Valle

To get the ultimate photo of Toledo you need to cross the Río Tajo and climb the road on the other side to this strategic viewpoint. You can either walk…

Iglesia de Santo Tomé

Iglesia de Santo Tomé contains El Greco’s most famous masterpiece El entierro del conde de Orgaz (The Burial of the Count of Orgaz), which is accessed by…

Museo de Tapices y Textiles de la Catedral

Set in the former 17th-century school for choirboys (the Antiguo Collegio Infantes), this associated Cathedral museum houses magnificent tapestries, some…

Iglesia del Salvador

This little-visited but intriguing church exposes multiple historical layers in true Toledan fashion. Until 1159, it was a mosque; before that, a…

Plaza de Zocodover

This lively square has long been the hub of town. From 1465 until the 1960s Zocodover was the scene of the city's Tuesday market and successor to the Arab…

Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz

On the northern slopes of town you'll find a modest, yet beautiful, mosque (the only one remaining of Toledo's 10) where architectural traces of Toledo's…

Cerro del Bú

Predating Roman Toledo, this small but steep hill on the less populated side of the Río Tajo is sprinkled with Bronze Age remains overlain with vestiges…

Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca

The lesser of Toledo's two Mudéjar synagogues has five naves divided by rows of horseshoe and multifoil arches. Originally the upper arches opened onto…

Termas Romanas

These subterranean remains of Toledo's Roman baths are viewed via a walkway extending over two rooms. There are also the remains of an ajibe (water system…

Puerta Nueva de Bisagra

Large portions of the old city walls remain intact and, for many people, the first sight of old Toledo are the imposing turrets of the Puerta Nueva de…

Iglesia de los Jesuitas

The main reason to visit this church is not the building itself, but the opportunity to climb its tower (138 steps) for a quintessential view of medieval…

Arco de la Sangre

The horseshoe arch that beckons to you from Plaza de Zocodover provides a glimpse into Toledo's medieval cosmopolitanism. It was once a doorway in the old…

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Toledo, Spain

Written by Lana Law , Michael Law , and Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law visited Toledo in the fall of 2022 as part of an extensive trip through Spain.

Toledo is the heart and soul of Spain. This monumental walled hilltop city is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site . Behind its daunting medieval walls, in a labyrinth of winding pedestrian streets, are some of the most important historical attractions in the country.

Magnificent old stone buildings and quiet cobblestone streets whisper the legacy of the past. For centuries, Christians, Jews, and Muslims flourished in a " city of three cultures " and built a dazzling array of churches, convents, palaces, fortresses, synagogues, and mosques. These are some of the most important places to visit in Toledo.

Toledo is also known for its traditional crafts , including damascene metalwork, antique-inspired swords, and handmade marzipan (sweet almond candies). However, the most famous artworks found in Toledo are the masterpieces by El Greco displayed throughout the city's churches and convents, as well as at El Greco Museum.

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid , which is just half an hour away by train. However, the city abounds with sightseeing treasures, so it is well worth spending more time here. Discover interesting things to see and do with our list of top attractions in Toledo.

See also: Where to Stay in Toledo

1. Catedral de Toledo

2. casco histórico de toledo (old town), 3. mirador del valle, 4. monasterio de san juan de los reyes, 5. alcázar de toledo, 6. sinagoga del tránsito, 7. museo de santa cruz, 8. museo el greco, 9. mezquita cristo de la luz, 10. iglesia de santo tomé, 11. puente de alcántara: 13th-century moorish bridge, 12. las murallas (ramparts), 13. santa maría la blanca: ancient synagogue converted to a church, 14. cristo de la luz, 15. iglesia de san ildefonso, 16. hospital de san juan bautista, 17. castillo de san servando, 18. iglesia de santiago del arrabal, 19. roman baths, where to stay in toledo for sightseeing, day trips from toledo, the windmills in consuegra, arisgotas and the museo de arte visigodo.

With its soaring tower and marvelous Gothic architecture, Toledo's cathedral is one of the most important Christian landmarks in Spain . It was built in the 13th century on the site of a Muslim mosque next to La Judería (Jewish quarter).

You will walk through the Puerta de Mollete doorway to enter. The cathedral's exterior is somewhat obscured by the tightly packed buildings surrounding it, but the grandiose sanctuary is astounding.

The enormous interior stretches 120 meters in length. A collection of 88 richly decorated columns makes a striking impression and beautiful stained-glass windows dating from the 14th to 16th centuries lend an ethereal glow.

The choir is considered one of the grandest works of art in Christendom, with masterfully carved Renaissance stalls. The stalls in the lower tier feature historical scenes from the Catholic Monarchs' conquest of Islamic Granada, and the upper tier depicts Biblical scenes by Alonso Berruguete and an alabaster Transfiguration in the left-hand section.

On the altar of the choir is a Romanesque-style stone figure of the Virgin Mary, the Virgen Blanca created in 1500. Surrounding the choir is a Plateresque screen created in 1548.

The richly gilded Capilla Mayor displays a huge gilded retablo of New Testament scenes with life-size figures, and the Churrigueresque-style domed marble altar is dedicated to the Virgin. The Flamboyant Gothic Capilla de Santiago contains the 15th-century marble tombs of the Condestable Álvaro de Luna and his wife. In the chapter house, are portraits by Juan de Borgoña and two paintings by Goya.

A highlight of the cathedral , the sacristy has two exceptional paintings: El Greco's Disrobing of Christ ( El Spolio ) and Goya's Arrest of Christ as well as a series of 16 Apostles by El Greco . The sacristy also displays paintings by Morales, van Dyck, Raphael, Rubens, and Titian.

Address: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Toledo, Spain

The essence of Toledo is found in the atmospheric narrow lanes of its Casco Histórico (Old Town), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site . The Casco Histórico is a fascinating warren of winding pedestrian streets, peaceful courtyards, and artisan shops tucked away in little alleys.

The area contains over a hundred historic monuments: palaces, churches, convents, synagogues, and mosques. For centuries, Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together in Toledo. The various cultures enjoyed a sense of mutual respect and harmony.

During the Middle Ages and until the Inquisition, La Judería (Jewish Quarter) was a thriving neighborhood. Visitors can trace the history by wandering the distinctively paved cobblestone streets and visiting two historic synagogues, one of which, El Tránsito, houses a Sephardic museum that illuminates the rich Jewish life in Toledo before the Inquisition.

To admire breathtaking panoramas of Toledo while gaining a sense of the city's setting and topography, head to the Mirador del Valle. For those without a car, this hilltop viewpoint can be reached by hiking or by taking the Trainvision shuttle across the river.

If you have a vehicle, it's an easy drive to the viewpoint, with ample parking. Nearby is the Parador de Toledo ; this lovely hotel is perched perfectly on the hill and is a wonderful place to have dinner on the terrace and watch the lights of Old Toledo come on.

Northwest of the Judería and cathedral, the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes was a Franciscan convent founded in 1476. The church dates from 1553.

On the exterior facade are the chains of Christians freed from Moorish captivity. The monastery has a sumptuous 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 cloister is considered one of the finest examples of Late Gothic architecture in Spain . Looking out onto peaceful gardens, the cloister has a serene ambience that inspires spiritual reflection. In the upper gallery of the cloister, the ceiling features a very decorative artesonado ceiling.

The monastery is open to the public year-round.

Address: Calle de San Juan de los Reyes 2, Toledo

Standing watch over the city, the Alcázar has a commanding hilltop location. This ancient Moorish fortress, built on the site of an earlier Roman fort, was later renovated by the Christian Kings.

The imposing fortress has a square shape with crenellated defenses and four corner towers added under the reign of Emperor Charles V in the 16th century.

During the Spanish Civil War, the Alcázar was used as a Nationalist garrison and is considered as a monument to the heroism of Franco supporters. The Alcazar has been restored and now houses an Army Museum with excellent exhibits about the Civil War.

The Alcázar is reached from the Plaza de Zocodover , a lovely square at the center of Toledo that is lined with elegant arcaded houses. At 7 Plaza de Zocodover, the well-known Confitería Santo Tomé (confectionary shop) tempts visitors with its delectable handmade marzipan candies.

Address: Calle Unión, Toledo

The most prominent Jewish monument in Toledo, the Mudéjar-style Sinagoga del Tránsito is in the heart of the Judería, which was a thriving Jewish community in the 14th century. Built in 1356 by Samuel Levi, treasurer to King Pedro I of Castile, El Tránsito Synagogue is the most important example of Sephardic (Jewish-Spanish) architecture in existence .

The synagogue is decorated with Moorish-influenced elements, as well as intricate geometric and floral motifs, along with inscriptions in Arabic and Hebrew. Exquisite geometric-patterned windows with cusped arches allow light to filter into the sanctuary. The interior also features an exquisite ceiling.

After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the synagogue was given to the knightly Order of Calatrava.

The rooms adjoining the Sinagoga del Tránsito house the Museo Sefardí (Sephardic Museum), which educates visitors about the history and culture of Spain's Jews. A highlight of the collection is the Sarcófago de Tarragona featuring a trilingual inscription in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

The Sinagoga del Tránsito and the Sephardic Museum are open Tuesday-Sunday. Tourists could plan to also visit the El Greco Museum, which is just steps away from the synagogue.

Address: Calle Samuel Levi, Toledo

This exceptional museum is housed in the 16th-century Hospital de Santa Cruz, an elegant building with an exquisite Plateresque facade. The Santa Cruz Museum includes three collections: Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, and Archaeology.

In the Fine Arts collection, the paintings of the 16th and 17th century School of Toledo are the main attraction, especially the works by El Greco and Luis Tristán, a student of El Greco. Not to be missed is El Greco's large-scale masterpiece, the Assumption of the Virgin . Other highlights are the Christ in Chains by Morales and the Crucifixion by Goya. The retablo dedicated to the Virgin by Alonso Berruguete is another valuable piece.

The Decorative Arts section includes Flemish tapestries of the 15th and 16th centuries and a tapestry illustrating the signs of the Zodiac as well as local artisan crafts.

The Archeology section contains prehistoric, Roman, Visigothic antiquities, and exhibits of Moorish and Mudéjar decorative objects and ceramics.

Address: 3 Calle Miguel de Cervantes, Toledo

The famous master of Spanish painting, Doménikos Theotokópoulos was born in Crete (Greece's largest island) in 1541, and in 1577 came to Spain where he was simply called El Greco ("The Greek").

The Casa El Greco in the Jewish quarter near the synagogue of El Tránsito is the house where El Greco is known to have lived. Renovated in 1906, the building is decorated with furniture and sculptures that belonged to El Greco.

In the building adjoining the Casa El Greco is the Museo El Greco . On the first floor are three rooms containing more than 20 works by El Greco, including famous paintings View of Toledo , Christ with the Apostles , the Crowning with Thorns and San Bernardino . The museum also displays paintings by other Spanish painters including Zurbarán and Miranda.

Address: Paseo del Tránsito, Toledo

This 10th-century mosque is the oldest monument in Toledo and is remarkably well preserved. It's one of the best places to visit in Toledo for a glimpse of Andalusia's Islamic heritage.

Although it was converted into a church in the 12th century, the building has retained its original Mudéjar elements and is one of Spain's rare gems of early Hispanic-Muslim architecture.

Like the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Mezquita Cristo de la Luz was built during the Caliphal period and reveals similar features: a splendid vaulted interior with columns and horseshoe arches. The facade is adorned with intricate brickwork influenced by Middle Eastern art.

In front of the building is a lovely garden area with trees and flowering plants. Beyond the garden you step out onto the top of the ancient city walls . The views from here offer an interesting perspective over the city. If you look over the edge you'll be able to see, off to the right, one of the ancient city doors, the Puerta de Valmardón.

The admission fee allows access to the Mezquita Cristo de la Luz, the gardens, and the city wall.

Address: 22 Calle Cristo de la Luz, Toledo

West of the cathedral bordering the Judería (old Jewish quarter), the 12th-century church of Santo Tomé is another monument that was originally a mosque. In the 14th century, the church was renovated by the Count of Orgaz in Gothic style with a Mudéjar tower.

Several of the windows also reveal Mudéjar design with the characteristic horseshoe arch shape. The church possesses one of El Greco's most famous paintings, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz (created in 1586), which is displayed in a special room.

Address: 1 Plaza de Santo Tomé, Toledo

Below the Hospital de Santa Cruz, the Puente de Alcántara spans the dramatic gorge of the Tagus River. Originally an ancient Roman structure, the bridge was completely rebuilt by the Moors in 866. The present bridge dates mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Puerta de Alcántara gate tower dates to 1484, while the Baroque gateway was built in 1721.

The best place in Toledo to get a view and picture of the bridge and the river gorge is at Plaza de Victorio Macho . You'll find it located just off Calle de los Reyes Catolicos, behind the Hotel San Juan de los Reyes and beside the Museo Victorio Macho. Although the lookout appears to be behind a fence, just walk towards the museum to find the always-open gate.

If you decide to walk down to the bridge, your effort will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Alcázar and the town, rising steeply up above the river.

Address: Calle Gerardo Lobo, Toledo

Constructed originally by the Romans, renewed by the Visigoths, expanded by the Moors, and enlarged again after the Christian reconquest, Toledo's walls are surprisingly complete today, with well-preserved reminders of the city's multi-layered history.

You can walk alongside the ancient ramparts, and stop to check out the three entrance gates (Puerta Vieja de Bisagra; Puerta del Cambrón; Puerta del Sol), which still provide access to the historic town center through the enormous defensive walls. Typical of Hispanic-Muslim urban planning during the medieval era, Toledo's imposing fortifications resemble a citadel surrounding a medina.

The only remaining part of the Moorish town walls is the Puerta Vieja de Bisagra, a 9th-century entrance gate . Typical of Muslim architecture, the gate features horseshoe arches; a central arch is the entrance, and two blind pointed arches are for decoration. This monument is also known as the Puerta Vieja de Alfonso VI because the king made his entrance to Toledo in 1085 through this gate.

The 14th-century Puerta del Sol is also impressive, built by the Knights Hospitaller.

A few centuries older than El Tránsito, this 12th-century Mudéjar synagogue is in the Jewish quarter (La Judería) of Toledo, which at one time had at least ten synagogues. After the Christian Reconquest of Toledo in 1405, the synagogue was converted to the Church of Santa María la Blanca.

The splendid sanctuary features rows of pillars supporting 28 horseshoe arches, obviously influenced by Almohad-era Moorish architecture. The arches are supported by columns adorned with pine-cone capitals. Also noteworthy is the artesonado (decorative coffered wood) ceiling, characteristic of Mudéjar design.

In the eastern wall of the building, which faces the direction of Jerusalem was an ark that held the scrolls of the Torah. Elements of the later Christian church include Plateresque altars and an altarpiece by the School of Berruguete.

The monument is no longer used as a house of worship but is open to the public for visits (for an admission fee).

Address: 4 Calle de los Reyes Católicos, Toledo

A fascinating monument that reflects Toledo's multicultural heritage, this little chapel was built as an Arab mosque in the year 999 on the site of an earlier Visigothic church. Concealed within a brick a wall, a precious statue of Christ from the church was discovered by Alfonso VI and El Cid.

The original Moorish building has remained intact with its arcaded facade and a series of vaulted horseshoe arches in the sanctuary that recall the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

Some of the interior columns are from the Visigothic church. In the 12th century, the mosque was converted to a Christian house of worship; the transept and Romanesque wall paintings date from this period. The apse with its blind arches exemplifies Mudéjar-style (Islamic-influenced) architecture.

Near the cathedral in a charming square is the Baroque church of Saint Ildefonso. The church has an imposing twin-towered facade and an awe-inspiring, bright interior with two paintings by El Greco. Of special note is the stained-glass window above the entryway.

The church dates from 1629 and is in remarkably good condition. Toledo, with its warren of small streets, can feel a bit confining. For a bird's-eye view of the old town, climb the tower, and get your bearings.

Address: Plaza del Padre Juan de Mariana, Toledo

Outside Toledo's ancient town walls, the 16th-century Hospital de San Juan Bautista (also called the Hospital Tavera) is a large complex of buildings filled with notable works of art. You can visit the courtyards, church, and sacristy. Special guided tours also allow access to the museum and pharmacy.

Designed in the Renaissance-era classical style, the church has a stunning marble facade by Alonso Berruguete. Precious works of art in the church include the marble sepulcher of Cardinal Tavera by Alonso Berruguete and sculptures by El Greco, as well as the Saint Peter Crying painting by El Greco.

A highlight of the property is the Museo Fundación Duque de Lerma , which displays masterpieces of Italian painting from the 16th to 18th centuries, including works by El Greco, Tintoretto, Ribera, Canaletto, Alonso Sánchez Coello, Juan Francisco Zurbarán, Luca Giordano , and Juan Carreño de Miranda. Not to be missed is El Greco's Sagrada Family ( Holy Family ).

Address: 2 Calle Duque de Lerma, Toledo

High above the left bank of the river, opposite the Alcántara bridge, is the 11th-century Castillo de San Servando. The castle was built in the 14th century as a monastery, commissioned by Alfonso VI but also served military purposes because of its strategic location.

The building is an exceptional example of a Mudéjar-style fortress in Spain . With its formidable towers, crenellated defense walls, and Arabic-style entrance gateway, the castle has an imposing presence.

This monument is not open to the public, you can only visit the exterior and the grounds. However, the castle has been converted to a youth hostel , which is ideal for those seeking budget accommodations, although the interior has retained very little of its historic character.

Address: Carretera de Circunvalación-Frente al Puente de Alcántara, Toledo

The 13th-century church of Santiago del Arrabal is found in an outer district of Toledo near the town walls. To arrive here, continue past the Puerta del Sol along the Calle Real del Arrabal.

This church is one of the most stunning Mudéjar landmarks in Toledo. Built of brick and masonry, the building has a decorative exterior of portals framed by Islamic-style horseshoe arches. The church is not open to the public, but tourists can visit the exterior of the building.

Address: Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo

While exploring the historic city center, be sure to head underground to find remnants of Toledo's Roman past at the Roman Baths (Termas Romanas). The baths date from the late first or early second century and were in use until around the sixth century. They were only discovered and excavated in 1986.

A walking trail with metal bridges and glass floors takes you around and over the well-excavated baths, and multilingual staff are on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Located near Plaza Amador de los Rios, this free attraction is down two sets of stairs and underneath a building. It's small but worth a stop.

Toledo's tourist attractions are inside its formidable medieval walls, so the most convenient hotels are those in this tight tangle of narrow stone streets. Hotels outside the walls are less convenient, but an escalator climbs to the Old Town. Here are some highly rated hotels in Toledo's best locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• The Hotel San Juan de los Reyes is in La Judería near the Sinagoga del Tránsito and the El Greco Museum. This four-star hotel has private parking, a casual café, a sunny outdoor terrace, and a gourmet restaurant that serves traditional local cuisine.
• Just outside the Casco Histórico, the Hacienda del Cardenal is near the escalator that takes tourists up to the Old Town. This upscale hotel occupies an elegant 18th-century villa in a lovely garden setting. Amenities include two restaurants, Arab Baths, and an outdoor terrace.
• The Eurostars Palacio Buenavista is about a five-minute drive outside the Old Town (a free shuttle service is available). Nestled in a tranquil environment with superb views of Toledo's cityscape, this five-star hotel features a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and a restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The four-star Sercotel Hotel Pintor El Greco is in the Casco Histórico, adjacent to the El Greco Museum. This quaint hotel has larger rooms than many in the old town.
• Next to the Alcázar in the heart of the Old Town, the four-star Sercotel Alfonso VI offers a 24-hour front desk and concierge services. Some of the rooms have private balconies.

Budget Hotels:

• In the city's historic center, the Hotel Santa Isabel occupies a 15th-century nobleman's house near the cathedral. This two-star hotel provides spacious rooms with modern amenities. The building's rooftop terrace affords stunning views.
• Rooms are small at the Hotel Domus Plaza Zocodover , but the hotel is excellent value for its location in the Old Town near the Santa Cruz Museum. Some rooms have views of the Alcázar and the cathedral.

If the narrow confines of Toledo's Old Town have you craving wide-open spaces, a day trip to the Consuegra to see the windmills and castle is a good idea.

Standing proudly atop a ridge, these 12 restored windmills date from the 16th century and are said to be the inspiration for Cervantes when he wrote the Second Sally chapters in Don Quixote .

Today there's no need to plan an attack on these solid giants like Don Quixote. All you need to do is drive up a winding roadway and follow the gravel walkway. Although many people will tell you to go at sunset, the best time is actually mid morning, when the sun hits the windmills in a soft light.

The fields surrounding the ridge are planted with saffron, and the harvest typically takes place in October.

Also on the ridge is the Consuegra Castle dating from the 12th century. The castle is open for self-guided tours every day.

The drive time to Consuegra from Toledo is about 40 minutes.

An undiscovered town deep in the countryside, Orgaz is an off-the-beaten path tourist destination 33 kilometers from Toledo (about a 25-minute drive).

This typical historic Spanish town has an elegant Plaza Mayor , a magnificent 18th-century cathedral , ancient town gates, a medieval castle built in the 14th century, and several little hermitage churches.

Those willing to travel five kilometers farther outside Orgaz to Arisgotas are rewarded with an interesting cultural attraction, the Museo de Arte Visigodo (Museum of Visigothic Art). The museum displays rare examples of archaeological finds from the 7th century (the Visigothic period).

In an unspoiled rural environment, the tiny village of Arisgotas only has 70 inhabitants. The village takes its name from the local oak groves.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, it's worth a detour less than 10 kilometers from Arisgotas to the nearby town of Sonseca . This small town is known for a special type of pastries called "Marquesas," little sugar-dusted almond cakes that are traditionally enjoyed at Christmastime.

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One day in Toledo

The grandiose Cathedral

On leaving the Alcázar and after walking through the streets for about five minutes you will get to the Cathedral along Calle Cardenal Cisneros. This building is so imposing and has so much to see that you could spend hours there: the Monarch’s Chapel, the famous gold monstrance, the magnificent paintings in the sacristy, the choir stalls… You can learn about the curious tradition celebrated here every 15 August, on the feast day celebrations of the Virgin of Sagrario, when the custom is to drink from a variety of earthenware pots, jugs and glasses which are placed in the Cathedral and filled with water from the well in the cloister, as it is said to have miraculous properties. You’d better make a note for future visits.

A bird’s eye view of Toledo

Leave the Cathedral and head towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square, where you will find the two Renaissance buildings of the Episcopal Palace and the Town Hall. Along the street on the left, you’ll come to the alley of the Cuesta de la Ciudad (the city hill) which you can climb to reach the Jesuit church (also known as the church of San Ildefonso) in the Plaza Padre Juan de Mariana. It is located at the highest point of the city, so this is a perfect opportunity to catch one more view over the clustered rooftops of Toledo from its towers.

Looking towards the south, on the upper banks of the Tagus River, you can see the Cigarrales mansions, the old recreational estates of Toledo's bourgeoisie, many of which have been transformed into luxury accommodation.

Food in an old Toledo mansion house

It's now time for lunch, and you're right beside Calle Alfileritos, which is full of bars and restaurants where you can sit and have a relaxing meal. The atmosphere in many of them is warm and inviting, because they are usually located in old Toledo town houses or small palaces spread over several floors, which have been reformed to preserve the most characteristic decorative features. Suggestions from the menu include 'cocido' (meat and chickpea stew), 'carcamusas' (stewed pork with tomato), partridge, venison, or all number of game dishes. To accompany the meal, one of the region’s Denomination of Origin wines, naturally. On the way to Alfileritos, to the left you will see the building of the former San Pedro Mártir convent, which today forms part of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. The two interior cloisters are perfect for stopping and enjoying a moment of calm.

It’s time to discover the side of Toledo known as ‘the city of the three cultures’ by visiting the Jewish quarter and the district of the convents. You can do this by taking a relaxed stroll around the area.

A tour through the jewish quarter.

After a good meal, head towards the city’s Jewish quarter. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Plaza del Salvador, where you can see the Municipal Archive in the modern style, the result of restoration works on the old church of San Marcos. The building is particularly unusual, among other reasons because the archaeological remains discovered during the building works are integrated into its structure.

Heading out of this square along Calle de Santo Tomé, you will come to Santo Tomé Church . Inside the church you can see the painting, “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”, one of the masterpieces by the famous painter, El Greco. Continue along Calle San Juan de Dios until you come to the Tránsito Synagogue , also the site of the Sephardic Museum . After marvelling at the beauty of its decorative plasterwork, you can head into the museum to learn more about the Jewish tradition in Spain. The next stop is another synagogue, Santa María la Blanca , which you can reach along the Calle Reyes Católicos. The filigree and details on its capitals are astounding. Continuing on up this street you'll come across the imposing monastery of San Juan de los Reyes , built by the Catholic Monarchs. After the tour, visitors will be surprised to learn that the monarchs apparently found it a little on the small side. There are numerous crafts and souvenir shops all over this area. Some of these shops also have a workshop where visitors can see the craftsmen at work. Particularly typical in Toledo are the items of damascene work, ceramics, leather and embroidery. Not to mention of course the famous Toledo steel swords.

In the neighbourhood of the convents

If you continue up the Paseo de la Virgen de Gracia avenue, you’ll come to the area of Toledo’s convents. If you want to enjoy a gentle stroll, this is definitely the ideal place, as the streets here are havens of peace and tranquillity. Some of the convents even sell sweets and pastries, handmade by the nuns. The convents of San Antonio, San Clemente and the Agustinas Calzadas are just a few examples. From time to time if you look up you’ll see a series of raised walkways: these were used by the nuns to go from one building to another without being seen in public. Continuing along on foot you'll come to the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and the Puerta del Sol , from where you can see the church of Santiago del Arrabal and the inside of the Bisagra Gate .

A great panoramic spot for watching the sunset

At this point you are very near the Plaza de Zocodover square, so you could jump in a taxi from the taxi rank beside the square up to the Parador hotel located on one of the hills on the outskirts of the city,

and enjoy a drink on the terrace of the café while you admire the superb view over Toledo as the sun goes down. This is the best reward after your day of sightseeing.

What to see

Places not to be missed

Alcázar fortress in Toledo

Toledo Cathedral

Nueva de Bisagra Gate

Puerta del Sol (Toledo)

Church of Santo Tomé (Toledo)

Cristo de la Luz mosque

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Santiago del Arrabal Church

El Tránsito synagogue

Santa María La Blanca synagogue

Santa Cruz Museum

Tips and recommendations

Visit to the Cathedral

Tickets to the Cathedral can be bought at the ticket office located opposite the Puerta Llana gate in Calle Cardenal Cisneros. On Sundays during High Mass you can listen to the majestic cathedral organ. Also, every day (from 9 am on working days and 9.45 am on weekends and public holidays), there is a mass in the Mosarabic Rite in the Mozarabic Chapel.

How to get there

Toledo is very easy to get to from Madrid by train, coach or car. The train is a good option as it is both comfortable and fast - the journey only takes around 30 minutes from Atocha station, with trains leaving once an hour. Turn right on leaving the station, and head into the historical old quarters by bus. Lines 5, 6 and 22 stop in Plaza de Zocodover square, where there is a Tourist Information Office. The journey can also be done on foot, which is uphill and takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

When to go on the trail

Corpus Christi. A very special time to admire the Cathedral is during the feast of Corpus Christi, between the months of May and June, when the walls are adorned with majestic tapestries. Holy Week . Most of the convents are enclosed order convents and are not open to the general public. However, they can be visited during Holy week thanks to the guided tours organised by the Tourist Board.

Healthy tour

If you want to keep fit, you can take this 10,000-step tour visiting the most iconic locations in the city.

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Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Things to Do in Toledo (Spain)

15 Best Things to Do in Toledo (Spain)

Toledo’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a glorious past greets you at every turn. The old city is a cross-fertilisation of Jewish, Islamic and Christian cultures, and in many buildings you’ll see how all these influences are blended together.

You’ll gaze at sumptuous renaissance paintings and find out about the Spanish Kings who ruled an entire empire from Toledo. The rest of the time you’ll be trying to find your way around the labyrinthine streets that are enclosed by historic walls and defended by gates and fortified bridges that stand tall to this day.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Toledo :

1. Catedral Primada

The experts will tell you that this is the best example of High Gothic architecture in Spain.

Like many Christian buildings in Toledo and across the country, Toledo’s Cathedral is built on a Mosque (which itself had been built on a 6th-century church!).

Construction began in 1226, and the work would not be fully completed for another 250 years . So you can see a mixture of elaborate gothic and Mudéjar elements.

The cathedral has a large footprint and is one of those buildings you can get lost in as there are so many little curiosities, like the Ochavo, a 16th-century room dedicated to the martyrs and witnesses of Christ, with many opulent works of art.

2. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Even in a city of historic buildings, this monumental 15th-century monastery stands out.

It’s set close to the Bridge of San Martín on the west side of the Casco Historico.

It was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II, for several purposes: To celebrate the birth of their son Prince John, to serve as their Dynastic Mausoleum and to commemorate winning the Battle of Toro against Afonso V’s Portuguese Army, which helped them safeguard their throne.

Check out the building’s granite facade, which shows chains and manacles, representing the Christian prisoners freed by the Catholic Monarchs at the completion of the Christian “Reconquista” at Granada in the 1490s.

3. Puerta del Sol

This northern city gate was built at the end of the 14th century and showcases the Mudéjar design that you’ll see across the city.

It’s hefty stone portal topped by battlements and with lots of interesting little flourishes that you should take a moment to appreciate.

The walkway is a classic Moorish horseshoe archway and above this are smaller intertwined scalloped arches.

The gate gets its name from the frieze above the passageway, which shows the ordination of the Visigothic scholar Ildefonso.

On the south side of the gate there was once a moon painted here, and on the north side a sun.

4. Puente de San Martín

Entering Toledo on the San Martín bridge will make you feel a bit like a knight contemplating the medieval walls from the west.

Before you will be the Monastery of San Juan, and you can look down at the reflective green waters of the Tagus River.

The bridge was first built in the 1200s but took a lot of damage through the years, requiring rebuilds in the 1300s and 1400s.

The biggest changes were made during the reign of Charles II in the 17th-century, and the bridge, defended by crenellated towers at each end, has remained the same ever since.

5. El Greco Museum

The fabled 16th-century artist El Greco (a Cretan, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos), is one of Toledo’s most important historical residents and helped immortalise it with his depictions of the cityscape.

These paintings, View of Toledo and View and Plan of Toledo are both on show at this museum.

What they tell you straight away, is just how little Toledo’s outline has changed in nearly 500 years.

Of the two paintings, View of Toledo is the one that has captured the world’s imagination.

It’s a landscape with an expressive representation of the night sky above the city and the green hills around it.

6. Mirador del Valle

On the Carretera de Circunvalación, which hugs the rim of the bluffs above the River Tagus, is this fabulous lookout that shows the city in all its glory.

You can put yourself in  El Greco’s shoes when you see the Alcázar, the Cathedral , the walls and a jumble of renaissance and Mudéjar architecture, all laid out in front of you and embraced by the neat curve of the river.

The panorama at night is especially picturesque, when all the main monuments are awash with orange light.

7. Iglesia de San Ildefonso

This church is one of Toledo’s baroque masterpieces.

The Jesuits got permission to settle in the imperial city in 1558, and they acquired this plot in 1569. Construction began in 1629, and the church took a century to complete, formed of more than a 100,000 bricks.

In design it’s a powerful anti-Reformation statement, with snow-white interior walls and a layout that channels light towards the high altar for the Eucharist and leaving the side-chapels darkened.

The dome is one of the highest points in the city and stands out next to the cathedral.

8. Iglesia de Santo Tomé

Also once a mosque, you can pick this church out by its exquisite Mudéjar tower, which uses stonework from the original minaret and has beautiful scalloped arches.

Inside there’s an eye-catching blend of gothic and Moorish design, with two baroque altars and a baptismal font that dates to the 1300s.

What many people come to see though is the majestic renaissance painting, Burial of the Count of Orgaz by El Greco, which was commissioned for the church in the 1580s.

Santo Tomé was the painter’s local parish, and the Count of Orgaz had redeveloped the church in the 14th-century.

9. Puerta de Bisagra

There are two city gates named Bisagra.

The oldest was built in the 900s by the Moors and was the main entrance to the city from the plain.

This is still standing, but was later replaced by a grander gate close by.

La Puerta Nueva de Bisagra is an auspicious way to enter Toledo.

You’ll pass under a triumphal arch flanked by two circular defensive towers.

Above the arch is a huge relief of the city’s coat of arms, and beyond the entrance is a courtyard sequestered by crenellated walls and another pair of towers.

These bear the coat of arms of the 16th-century King Charles V.

10. Puente de Alcántara

The other way across the Tagus, this bridge has been standing since the Roman era.

Naturally, Puente de Alcántara has been updated many times since then, not least because it has suffered a fair bit of war damage down the years.

The worst of this occurred in the 11th century during efforts to re-conquer Toledo from the Moors.

It was rebuilt again during the reign of Alfons X a century later.

A baroque triumphal arch was added at the bridge’s entrance in the 1700s, and standing below it you’ll have a wonderful view of the bridge’s crenellated tower framed by Toledo’s walls and Alcázar.

11. Synagogue of El Tránsito

Toledo has Spain’s most significant Jewish building, built in the 1350s by Samuel Levi, who was treasurer to Peter of Castille.

The founder’s family had long ties to the Castilian kings, going back centuries, but this didn’t protect him from execution by Peter in 1360. The synagogue was later converted into a church, but a lot of the original character has survived.

It’s yet another stunning piece of Mudéjar architecture: There’s calligraphy in Arabic and Hebrew, geometric tiling and highly ornate stucco walls.

The Sephardic Museum inside tells you all about Spain’s Jewish history, running from the 5th Century BC up to their Expulsion in the 1400s.

12. Plaza de Zocodover

The city’s nerve centre for many centuries, Plaza de Zocodover is still a meeting place for the people of Toledo, full of cafes and bustle.

In Moorish times this was a big horse market, where mules, ponies and mares and stallions were traded.

Later it was the site of a general market that took place every Tuesday right up to the mid-20th century when it moved to Paseo Merchán.

Plaza de Zocodover is where Auto-da-fé was enacted by the inquisition in the 15th and 16th century.

Nowadays you’ll be pleased to know that public ceremonies are a lot more fun, with dances, concerts and costume competitions taking place here during Toledo’s fiestas.

13. Mosque of Christ of the Light

Just in from the Puerta del Sol is the Casco Historico’s oldest building.

This mosque was built in 999 during the Caliphate and despite its great age looks pretty much the same as it did back then.

This makes it one of Spain’s most vital pieces of Moorish heritage.

Two centuries after its construction it became a church, and then a hermitage.

On the building’s facade you can make out Kufic (early Arabic script) inscription that was rediscovered in the 19th century.

This tells who commissioned and constructed the building, and in which year.

Once inside, look up at the vaulting, which is just one of the many similarities with the famous mosque in Córdoba, built 30 years before.

14. Santa María la Blanca

This is the oldest intact synagogue building in Europe, dating right back to the end of the 12th century.

There hasn’t been a Jewish community in Spain since the 15th-century Expulsion.

So in the 1400s the Mudéjar-style  building became a church, although no major renovations were ever made.

It was then  a monastery before being abandoned and then used as a warehouse by a company that made estoques (bullfighting swords). Take a few minutes to see the delicate capitals beneath the horseshoe arches,  as well the beautiful  geometric mosaics running beneath the arcades.

15. Alcázar of Toledo

This bulky palace is at the highest point in Toledo, on a 550-metre hill next to the Tagus.

There has been  a fortress here for at least 2,000 years but standing there now is a renaissance building from the mid-16th century.

It was meant as a royal residence for Charles V, but by the time it was finished the court had moved to Madrid, and instead was where widowed queens would retire.

A quirk of the building is that all four facades are slightly different, reflecting the style in favour during different periods of the renaissance as the palace was being built.

Inside is an army museum with guns, knives, swords, medals, flags and uniforms from the 1800s onwards.

15 Best Things to Do in Toledo (Spain):

• Catedral Primada
• Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
• Puerta del Sol
• Puente de San Martín
• El Greco Museum
• Mirador del Valle
• Iglesia de San Ildefonso
• Iglesia de Santo Tomé
• Puerta de Bisagra
• Puente de Alcántara
• Synagogue of El Tránsito
• Plaza de Zocodover
• Mosque of Christ of the Light
• Santa María la Blanca
• Alcázar of Toledo

One Day In Toledo Itinerary & Day Trip Guide

Toledo is one of Spain’s great historic cities. It’s romantic too, spectacularly sited on a hilltop atop the Tagus River. The river wraps around it like a moat.

Toledo boasts incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning vistas. It’s dubbed the “City of Three Cultures” for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences.

The city has echos of El Greco, its most famous native son, that will thrill art lovers. Besides that, the entire place is a designated UNESCO site and is well worth a visit.

Toledo is just a short 30 minute train ride from Madrid. So, it’s a classic — and popular! –day trip destination. This itinerary features the city’s greatest hits to help you make the most of your one day in Toledo.

Overview of One Day In Toledo Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot of what you can see in Toledo:

• Historic Center
• Santa Cruz Museum
• Toledo Cathedral
• San Roman & Santo Domingo el Antiguo
• Jewish Quarter
• Santo Tomé Church
• El Greco Museum
• Mirador del Valle

You can add or subtract things based on your pace of travel. And I give you an estimated timeline for how to spend your day.

I advise getting to Toledo as early as possible, as there are so many things to see and do. If you make a late start, you’ll likely regret not having a few more hours to sightsee.

The biggies to see are Toledo Cathedral, the synagogues, the Santa Cruz Museum, and the El Greco Museum. To skip the lines at the main monuments, you may want to pre-book the Toledo Wristband .

9:00 AM: Historic Center

Begin your day with a delicious Spanish snack in Toledo’s charming Old Town. It’s incredibly well-preserved, with tiny medieval streets.

You’ll find cozy cafes and bakeries where you can savor traditional pastries, like churros or pulgas , paired with a strong cup of coffee.

Take a wander through the main squares — Plaza Zocodover, Plaza de la Magdalena, and Plaza de Santo Domingo el Antiguo.

Zocodover is the main square. The name derives from the Arab word for livestock markets.

This square was once the scene of bullfights and Inquisition judgments. You can plop down on one of the benches, decorated with colorful tiled scenes from Cervantes’ Don Quixote .

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour

10:00 AM: Santa Cruz Museum

Start your sightseeing with the Santa Cruz Museum. Your GPS likely won’t get you there. Go through the horseshoe arch and head down the stairs.

To the right, you’ll come across one of Toledo’s most stunning Spanish Renaissance structures, the Hospital y Museo de Santa Cruz .

Established in the 16th century by Cardinal Mendoza, a significant figure in Spanish history, the hospital had a dual mission of providing medical care to those in need and offering refuge to orphans.

The building boasts an intricately carved facade, lovely cloisters, and a remarkable staircase, all designed by Alonso de Covarrubias in the plateresque style.

The hospital now houses Toledo’s main museum of art and archaeology.

There are three spaces to see — the Renaissance cloister, the temporary exhibition hall (in the basement), and the bulk of the collection in the second floor galleries with works from the Paleolithic era to the present.

There are also Roman mosaics, sculptures, tapestries, and giant tusks of a Paleolithic mammal.

The final hall displays 16th century Renaissance artworks.

There are a dozen or so El Greco paintings, including The Assumption of the Virgin , The Immaculate Conception , and The Holy Family . The Assumption is one of El Greco’s masterpieces from his late period.

11:00 PM: Toledo Cathedral

Next, head to Toledo Cathedral , the city’s #1 attraction. It’s an extraordinary church that’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a mini art museum. Construction began in 1226, but it took 270 years to complete.

Start off by marveling at its intricate facade. The western portal has three heavily sculptured doors in the Moorish style. and a (partially obscured) rose window. The doors are only opened on special occasions.

There’s a Flamboyant Gothic spire to the left. To the right is a Baroque dome added by El Greco’s son, Jorge Manuel.

Inside, you’ll find an art-filled space filled with works by El Greco and other Spanish masters.

You enter the cathedral from a side entrance, Puerta Llana, on Calle Cisneros. You buy a ticket from the shop opposite the entrance. You can also book a guided tour to see it all.

Inside, there is lofty ribbed vaulting and 800 stained glass windows. The wooden choir stalls are masterpieces from the 15th century.

The main altar is a gigantic Flamboyant Gothic polychrome carving. It’s gold on wood. It depicts the story of Christ’s life, conveying the message of salvation.

The choir stalls are absolutely exquisite. The lower stalls are made of walnut. Animal carvings depict the vices and virtues of mankind. The upper stalls feature alabaster prophets and saints and apostles carved in wood.

The two enormous organs, one Baroque and one Neoclassical, are still used. Each has over 600 pipes.

In the main chapel, just opposite the choir, you’ll find a Baroque folly called the Transparente from 1732. It’s unique architectural feature designed by the Spanish architect Narciso Tomé in the 18th century.

A skylight above allows light to penetrate from the ceiling and illuminate the tabernacle. Below the skylight is a sculpted tableau that represents the Ascension of Christ.

To the right is the exquisite Chapter House. It features magnificent coffered ceilings, one with gold leaf. There is a double row of portraits of Toledo’s most powerful archbishops, some from the imagination and some from life.

Frescos on the sides depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Above is an ornate coffered ceiling.

For art lovers, the highlight of the cathedral is the sacristy. This is an art gallery in itself.

There are restored works by El Greco, Zubbaran, and Goya. And an elaborate ceiling fresco by Luca Giordano, The Descent of the Virgi n.

The showstopper is El Greco’s Disrobing of Christ , Il Expolio . It depicts the moment when Jesus was undressed before being crucified.

The painting is an early work by El Greco. It’s very Italian, reflecting the artist’s tenure in Venice where he was influenced by artists like Titian. (Note the bright red color of the robe.)

Two attached rooms display more masterpieces, including artworks by Caravaggio, Zurburan, Van Dyke, Titian, Raphael, Velazquez, and Rubens.

You can also visit the Treasury. You’ll find the 10 foot high gold and silver monstrance made for Queen Isabella in the 16th century.

It once held the consecrated host. On Corpus Christi day, it’s paraded around town.

I think this is the top cathedral in Spain. Seville Cathedral may be larger. But, to my mind, this one boasts unrivaled art and artistry.

>>> Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket for the cathedral

12:30: San Roman & Santo Domingo el Antiguo

San Roman is Toledo’s oldest church, featuring Romanesque architecture. It’s just a few minutes from the cathedral. It’s the most interesting church in Toledo, having kept its original 13th century structure.

Originally of Visigoth origin, San Roman served as a mosque before its reconstruction in the Mudejar (Arab) style during the 13th century.

Today, it hosts a museum showcasing Visigothic culture. Inside, you’ll encounter a unique blend of Caliphal arches, Roman columns, Visigoth capitals, and exquisite frescoes.

Next, head down the street to Santo Domingo el Antiguo. Established in 1085 by the Cistercians, it was Toledo’s first convent.

The interior boasts Neo-Classical design and houses three El Greco paintings. It’s also the final resting place of El Greco himself, with his tomb visible through a floor grill.

1:00 PM: Lunch in Toledo

Take a break for lunch at a local “mesón” or tavern. Toledo is known for its savory cordero (roast lamb) and carcamusa s (stew).

Modern Toledo depends on tourism. So you may became jaded at the sight of so many bilingual menus. Steer into the steep cobbled streets for the best eats.

If you are in a rush you can always grab a sandwich to go, with Iberian ham or chorizo. That’s what I ended doing just to save time as I toured around.

If you have a sweet treat after lunch, I recommend sampling some marzipan. Toledo’s specialty, at Santo Tome. It’s a family business that has flourished since 1856.

They make it by combining Spanish almonds with sugar, honey, and water to make a thick paste. Once hardened, the marzipan can be sculpted into ingenious shapes.

2:30 PM: Explore the Jewish Quarter

After lunch, stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Spain. Don’t miss the picturesque Calle del Ángel and Calle de los Reyes Católicos.

If you have time, pop into the Church of Santa María la Blanca . It was the main synagogue in the Jewish Quarter in the late 12th century and is immaculately restored.

It has a Moorish design with five naves and horseshoe arches. It reminded me somewhat of the Mezquita in Cordoba .

The other synagogue to visit is the Transito. Commissioned in the mid 14th century, it houses the Sephardic Museum. You enter through the left side door at the foot of the prayer hall.

The synagogue has been completely restored and has a showstopping Mudejar main worship hall.

It’s topped with a coffered ceiling and covered in ornate stucco decorations with floral and geometric shapes and Arabic inscriptions. It may remind you of Granada’s Alhambra .

If you have time, stop into the Franciscan Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.

It was build by the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, as their funery mausoleum, though they were later buried in the Royal Chapel in Granada .

The building was constructed by Juan Gaus in the Gothic Isabelline style. it consists of a church, two cloisters, monastic quarters, courtyards, and gardens.

On the exterior, you’ll see chains hanging on the western side. They are the shackles of Christian prisoners freed by the Catholic monarchs in 1483.

The interior boats a rich stone decor, built in just 35 years. The dome is shaped like a royal crown. The most spectacular part is the upper floor and its magnificent painted Mudejar ceiling.

>>> Click here to book a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter

4:00 PM: Santo Tomé Church

Next, make your way to Santo Tomé Church . The church itself is a fine example of Spanish Gothic architecture and has a rich history dating back many centuries.

But what you come here to see is El Greco’s finest and most beautiful masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz .

It was commissioned by Don Gonzalo Ruiz. He was a wealthy and influential nobleman in Toledo during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

The painting is monumental, more than 15 feet high. It depicts a legendary miracle where St. Augustine and St. Stephen descended from heaven to assist in the burial of the count.

The painting is divided into two sections by a row of noblemen’s faces. Each one is a distinct portrait. El Greco even included portraits of himself and his 8 year old son in the painting.

The bottom half of the painting depicts the miracle and the count’s funeral.

It’s a variant of entombment paintings you may have seen by Raphael or Titian. Two dead saints, unexpected guests, appear to lower the count’s body into the tomb.

In the top half, you see the heavenly realm and key religious figures. An angel sent to earth by God guides the count’s soul up for his judgment. He appears as an embryo the size of a baby.

The Virgin also makes an appearance, seeming to say “come with us.” Beside her, St. John the Baptist speaks to Jesus, interceding for the soul of Orgaz.

The message of the painting for 16th century Toledo citizens was clear. If you want to make it to heaven, behave like the good count.

5:00 PM: El Greco Museum

Your last stop is at the El Greco Museum . El Greco was the city’s most famous resident artist. No visit to Toledo is complete with seeing his eponymous museum.

It’s the only museum dedicated to the renowned Greek painter. Its primary mission is to offer insight into El Greco’s artistic contributions and the profound influence his works and persona had on early 17th century Toledo.

The museum is housed in a lovely Spanish casa . It was founded by the second Marquis de la Vega-Inclán, a great promotor of Spanish art.

He thought, or so the story goes, that he was buying El Greco’s home. But it wasn’t.

Nonetheless, he lovingly renovated the 14th century mansion, in period authenticity, to house the collection of the Council of Toledo.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of El Greco’s masterpieces. They all seem to ripple and writhe as if on the verge of ascension, with elongated bodies and elegant hand gestures.

You’ll find notable works like View and Plan of Toledo (a variant of which resides in the Prado Museum ), Tears of St. Peter, and St. Bernadine of Siena .

The View is an extraordinary piece, giving you a panoramic view of Toledo at the time. The city is celebrated in all its excellence and glory as Spain’s oldest city.

The painting is rendered in El Greco’s later style, which featured looser brushstrokes and a more abstract composition. The buildings are reduced to simple geometric forms, which likely influenced the French Post-Impressionist Paul Cezanne.

The museum also features a meticulously curated series of portraits known as the Apostolate series from 1607. Christ is in the center surrounded by 6 apostles on each side.

Only 3 of the 13 paintings are finished. The focus, and where you’ll see El Greco’s highest quality work, is on the hands and faces of the apostles. Legend holds that El Greco used mental patients from an asylum as models, and indeed some of them appear malnourished.

There are another 100+ paintings by Spanish masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, many of them from El Greco’s workshop.

6:30 PM: Toledo’s Mirador del Valle

As the sun begins to set, head to the Mirador del Valle. It’s a viewpoint that offers the classic panoramic view of the city. It’s a great spot for photographs and I highly recommend going.

It’s about a 30-40 minute walk from the city center. Head towards the direction of the Alcázar of Toledo. As you approach the Alcázar, continue uphill along the road called Paseo de la Rosa to the mirador.

You can also take a taxi or drive there. Local buses leave from Zocodover Square and the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus stops there as well. If you are on a guided day tour from Madrid, you bus will likely stop there.

7:30 PM: Dinner in Toledo

For your final meal in Toledo, dine at one of the city’s many fine restaurants.

Try local dishes like the prized perdiz a la toledana (a long tailed partridge) and have marzipan for dessert. Check out Adolfo or Venta de Aires Restaurant for good eats.

Toledo is especially magical at night. If you have any time, take a stroll around the city when everything is illuminated. The last train back to Madrid usually departs around 10:30 or 11:00 pm.

Practical Tips For One Day Trip In Toledo

Here are some must know tips for day tripping to Toledo:

1. How To Get To Toledo

Toledo is easily accessible from Madrid by high-speed train (AVE) or bus. Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

You’ll then have a bit of a steep climb to get to the historic center. It’s a 30 minute walk, so you should probably hop in a cab.

Naturally, you can also get to Toledo on a guided day tour from Madrid . You can also book a tour that takes you to both Toledo and Segovia . To make things really easy, this private guided tour picks you up at the train station and takes you on a panoramic taxi tour of the city.

If you’re driving to Toledo, you’ll want to park your car in one of the designated parking areas outside the city’s historic center. Don’t drive into the historic center!

You can find spots in Parking Safont (north), Parking Cigarrales (south), or Parking Alcázar (near the Alcazar). A car has the advantage of allowing you to drive to the different viewpoints.

2. How To Get Around Toledo

Toledo is fairly small and walkable. You can get to most attractions on foot, if you’re inclined to walk. Be forewarned that it’s hilly and you’ll be walking up and down.

You can also take the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus .

3. Tickets:

Consider buying the Toledo Bracelet Card , which gives you access to multiple attractions, saving you time and money.

4. Where To Stay In Toledo

Considering staying overnight in Toledo? If so, you have a range of hotel options.

The Eugenia De Montijo, Autograph Collection is a gorgeous luxury hotel with regal Renaissance decor. It’s only 600+ feet from the cathedral, so well situated for sightseeing.

The Hotel del Cardenal is right next to the Gate of Alfonso VI, once the main entrance into Toledo. it’s literally built in the city wall. It’s quite reasonable, especially given the fountains, gardens, and patios it has on offer.

Parador de Toledo sits on a hill with an ideal vantage point over the city. It has a swimming pool and luxury amenities.

5. Pro Tips:

Many shops and restaurants close for siesta, usually from around 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes for hiking up and down the steep hills and tromping on cobblestones.

6. Is One Day In Toledo Enough?

One day in Toledo is enough time to see the highlights, but not enough to see everything. But you can check off the top attractions and decide what you want to come back to see.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Toledo itinerary and day trip guide. You may enjoy these other Spain travel guides and resources:

• 10-14 days in Spain itinerary
• 1 day itinerary for Barcelona
• 3 day itinerary for Barcelona
• 40+ Landmarks in Barcelona
• 33 secret towns in Spain
• 10 day itinerary for Andalusia
• Most Beautiful Towns in Andalusia
• 1 day itinerary for Seville
• 3 day itinerary for Seville
• 2 day itinerary for Madrid
• 2 day Itinerary for Bilbao

If you’d like to spend one day in Toledo, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

• The Top 10 Things To...

The Top 24 Things to Do in Toledo, Spain

Toledo is an incredibly cultural city; it has seen numerous cultures and dynasties pass through its walls, as well as wars, royalty and artists. The legacy it guards is an essential part of Spanish culture, so visiting the city is bound to be a unique experience. Culture Trip has explored the streets of Toledo, searching for the very best attractions and activities.

1. visit the catedral primada de toledo.

2. Take in panoramic views atop the Alcázar

Archaeological site, Historical Landmark

The Alcázar, built on the city’s highest point for military and strategic benefits, is a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture and offers striking panoramic views. Its roots date back to the third century when there was a Roman palace on the site. In the 10th century, the Moors, who had a very strong influence in the city, constructed the fortress, before it was passed to some of Spain’s royalty. Today, it’s a museum with various exhibitions that centre around the evolution of military strategy and weapons. Visit the Alcázar on a tour with a licensed guide to learn all about its fascinating origins.

3. Visit La Juderia

5. check out the architecture of the monasterio de san juan de los reyes.

Building, Church, Memorial

6. See Toledo from the Mirador del Valle

Cathedral, Church, Museum

7. Take a Ruta Nocturna tour

Historical Landmark

One of the most memorable things to do in Toledo is to explore it by night when it takes on a completely different air. The lights turn on and point to the main buildings, creating beautiful shadows, while the noise from the hustle and bustle of the day dies down. Also, the unbearable heat during the summer days cools slightly, creating the perfect atmosphere for a walk around the city. Several guided tours are available after dark, so after visiting the interiors of Toledo’s buildings and enjoying its museums, why not learn about the history behind it all while talking a breezy walk?

8. Walk through La Puerta de Bisagra

9. Cross the Puente de San Martín

10. explore the museo del greco.

11. Head to El Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum

This stunning place of worship dates all the way back to 1356. Less than 150 years later the Jewish population was expelled from the city and the building was converted into a church. Today is has been converted into a museum exploring the fascinating history of Jewish culture in medieval Toledo, and indeed southern Spain in general. Join a guided tour with a local archaeologist to learn more about the synagogue as well as some of Toledo’s most historic landmarks and ruins.

12. Visit the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz

Explore Toledo’s Muslim past at this ancient mosque within the Old Town, an important monument that combines Moorish and Spanish traditions to impressive effect. It was formerly known by the Arabic name of Bab al-Mardum, named after the nearby gates of the walled city. The structure features on the city’s incredibly interesting underground walking tour. Recommended from Clare Speak .

13. Get a birds' eye view of Toledo

Sports Center

See Toledo from a different perspective with Fly Toledo , by flying over part of the Tajo River on a zipline. It might look a little scary, but it’s a short line and the speed is pretty low. You get your photo taken and a video of your ride included in the ticket price. Or you could even take it up a notch and book a scenic hot-air balloon ride. Recommended from Clare Speak .

14. Relax in the Arabic Baths

Swimming Pool

Another way to experience Arabic culture in Toledo is through the ancient tradition of bath houses such as this one. The Medina Mudejar Banos Arabes is still very much functional, and you can relax in the hot and cold pool circuit and enjoy a massage, as well as Arabic mint tea and biscuits. Recommended from Clare Speak .

Get learning at a sword workshop

Toledo steel has been sought after for centuries, and in medieval times a Toledo sword was the ultimate mark of a great warrior. The weapons were legendary between the 15th and 17th centuries for their superior strength and durability. Today, they can be seen on display in armoury museums around the world. While in Toledo, stop in at Mariano Zamorano’s famous sword workshop , housed in what was formerly the royal stables. In the cramped workshop rooms, Zamorano and his highly skilled craftspeople still work in darkness and extreme heat as they forge and polish sword after sword, working in the very same style as was seen here hundreds of years ago. Recommended from Clare Speak .

Explote the Cultural Centre

The cultural centre of Toledo is not just a meeting point for artists but for the city’s young people as well. It organises all kinds of performances and exhibitions by local, national and international artists of all types. Recommended from Clare Speak .

A Toledo Time Capsule

Get wrapped up in Toledo’s history with this new initiative. The Toledo Time Capsule is a wraparound cinema, with screens in front of you and on both sides, showing the story of the city and bringing its multicultural history to life. Recommended from Clare Speak .

Celebrate Local Festivals

Toledo’s most important festival is Corpus Christi, celebrated in May. It’s famous all over Europe for its solemn and atmospheric procession through the city, decorated with lanterns, wreaths and tapestries, while the streets below are strewn with flowers and aromatic herbs. Not to be missed. Recommended from Clare Speak .

The Best Day Trips from Toledo

Recommendations from Clare Speak.

15. Aranjuez

Architectural Landmark

The scenic town of Aranjuez, a former site of a royal summer palace and hunting grounds, is today a Unesco World Heritage Site filled with dreamlike gardens and majestic architecture that rivals even that of Madrid. The town is also surrounded by lush green fields filled with strawberry plants, making for a scenic drive from Toledo.

This pretty town hosts various foodie festivals throughout the year, from an autumn garlic festival to fairs celebrating local liquor in spring. All year round you can stroll along the pretty cobbled streets lined with balconied houses, visit its numerous artisan shops and admire the famous Plaza Mayor, famous for its irregular shape.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

One of the most famous sights in the region surrounding Madrid is the enormous palace-monastery of Philip II in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which has also been awarded Unesco World Heritage Site status. The building is full of incredible artworks as well as the royal pantheon of tombs of Spanish monarchs.

16. Consuegra

Famous for windmills and the work of Cervantes, this town has been famous locally since the 16th century. It’s known as the setting of a famous scene in Don Quixote, in which the knight errant battles with windmills he’d mistaken for giants. The town also has an impressive castle and a renaissance-style town hall.

Cabañeros National Park

If you’d rather be immersed in nature, tranquillity awaits at the undeveloped Parque Nacional de Cabañeros. Often compared to the African plains for its wide-open spaces and hypnotic sunsets, the area is also perfect for hiking, with good paths and signposting. Information and guide services, along with souvenirs, can be found at the visitor centre.

Barrancas de Burujón

The spectacular, rugged scenery at Burujon, a natural site filled with flora and fauna, was cut out of the landscape by a river. Nature lovers can take the accessible hiking route, which takes in several impressive viewpoints giving different perspectives of the ravines of red earth, whose tones vary at different times of day. There’s absolutely no shade at all, so it’s best to go outside of the summer months and wear sunscreen at all times.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Bars & Cafes

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The top hotels in toledo to make you fall in love with the city.

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Top tourist attractions in Toledo

• ATTRACTIONS

Best attractions to enjoy in Toledo

Our team of local experts has selected the 9 top tourist attractions to enjoy in Toledo during your stay.

One of the top problems for visitors to Toledo is to decide what to visit first. This can become a problem for day visitors to the city of Toledo. Toledo is one of the  top day trips from Madrid  and it is also included in a good number of coach tours to Spain.   If you are going to spend 1 day in Toledo during your vacation in Spain and you are looking for ideas to ensure you make the most out of your time. 

Toledo is an amazing destination and an open-air museum. a Unesco heritage site, Toledo is full of churches, or museums besides its top attractions. In the city of 3 cultures, the amount of heritage you will discover is astonishing.  In this guide you will find our favorite attractions in Toledo. You will find special offers to enjoy guided tours, free tours, or to simply purchase tickets to some of the attractions. We also recommend you to have a look at this site with what we believe to be the best Toledo private tours from Madrid. 

Our top attractions in Toledo

El Greco Museum, Toledo

Check out our guide to the El Greco Museum in Toledo. El Greco is the cities most famous painter and this is the perfect place to experience his art.. … Read More

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo

The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo is one of the “must see” sites to visit while in the Medieval City of Toledo. Check it out! … Read More

Toledo Cathedral: La Catedral Primada

The Toledo Cathedral, known as La Primada is the main cathedral of Toledo. Check out our full guide to this spectacular cathedral. … Read More

Santo Tome, Conde Orgaz Burial in Toledo

The highlight in this church is the celebrated Conde Orgaz burial paiting by El Greco.

The church of Santo Tomas in Toledo dates from the 12C. It was rebuilt in the 14C at the behest of Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo, Lord of Orgaz. The main chapel and the Mudéjar tower date from this time. In the Capilla de la Concepción hangs the famous  El Greco painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz , 1586-8.

The burial depicted in the painting is that of a noble Spanish person,  Don Gonzalo Ruiz . He died in 1323. Legend says two saints,  Saint Stephen and Saint Agustine , descended to witness the burial of Don Gonzalo Ruiz . Don Gonzalo was a pious man and he seems to have left a generous amount of money for the decoration of the Church of Santo Tome. He received the title of Count, it seems, due to his noble deeds, amongst which we find philanthropy. Don Gonzalo was buried at Santo Tome.

In 1580 a project was initiated by a priest, Andres Nuñez, to refurbish the chapel where Don Gonzalo, the Count of Orgaz, had been buried. It was at this time when El Greco was commissioned the painting and the legend above mentioned explains the way in which El Greco designed this masterpiece.

Santo Tome was not the only church  Don Gonzalo  supported. He also contributed to the reconstruction of other parish churches, like  San Justo, San Bartolome , and also the construction of the  church of San Esteban at the Monastery of Los Agustinos . Don Gonzalo indicated in his will that he desired to be buried in Santo Tome, at the humblest possible chapel.  

El Greco´s self-portrait

The priest who commissioned the painting, Andres Nuñez de Madrid,  is portrayed in the painting (the priest in white) The two saints hold Don Gonzalo. Some important nobles from Toledo are portrayed in the painting, including the  self-portrait of El Greco  himself (the character whose regard looks at the spectator of the painting.

Is Santo Tome worth the visit?

Bearing in mind this is a very short visit and that includes the famous painting from el Greco, one of Toledo´s top attractions, we would strongly recommend getting this included in your to-do list whilst  visiting Toledo . 

The main reason to visit Santo Tome church is to enjoy the painting by El Greco,  Burial of Count Orgaz . But the church can also be visited, it takes almost no time, and it offers certain interesting elements. From the outside, the tower of Santo Tome is an excellent example of  Mudejar architecture in Spain . The use of bricks and the horseshoe arches that we find at Santo Tome´s tower are typical characteristics of Mudejar art.  

Inside the church, there are other interesting works. The altarpiece dates back to the XVIth century. There is a fantastic marble image of the Virgin and three outstanding paintings from famous painter  Luis Tristan . You will enjoy also two remarkable sculptures from Alonso Cano´s school.

Tickets and tours to enjoy the Santo Tome and El Greco burial of Count Orgaz

The entrance ticket to enjoy the church of Santo Tomas can be acquired as part of the Toledo card (it includes four of  the top sights in Toledo ). If the idea of a flexible card is not for you, you may decide to book a private tour with a local guide and request a customized tour where you will be able to influence the itinerary based on your interests and things you would like to enjoy in Toledo. 

Sinagoga del Tránsito in Toledo

This synagogue is with no doubt one of Toledo´s top attractions. It represents part of the splendid palace commissioned in 1366 by the Jew Samuel Leví, treasurer of Peter I of Castile.

The  Transito Synagogue  also receives the name of the  Synagogue of Samuel ha Leví  since it was him who sponsored its construction. 

The interior of the building is richly decorated. Along the entire upper part is a stucco frieze with psalms in Hebrew script, interrupted by coats-of- arms from Castile and León. These point to the protection given by Peter L The ceiling has octagonal wood paneling decorated with bows. Following the expulsion of the Jews in 1492,  Ferdinand and Isabella gave the synagogue to the Knights of Calatrava. 

Toledo is the city of 3 cultures  and this top attraction, Sinagoga del Transito is good proof for this name.

Date of construction

The Transito synagogue was built at the time of Pedro I as king. The dates of its construction were between 1334 and 1369. 

Who was Samuel ha Leví?

Samuel ha Leví was the treasurer of King Pedro I (known as “the cruel”). His family was an important Jewish family,the Abulafia family in  the city of Toledo.

Samuel ha Leví served as administrator of an important Portuguese knight and his services became appreciated and he then started to work in different positions for Pedro I. He lived in a famous palace in Toledo known as the Jewish palace. Some critics of the works and influence of Samuel ha Levi have mentioned that despite he built the Synagogue he did not promote schools for the study of the Talmud. History has proved today that he probably had a very complicated life, with many enemies that aimed to obtain his position and who interfered with the King. Samuel ha Levi died in Seville and not in Toledo after having been tortured once Pedro I lost his trust in him. 

We can get an idea of the influence and power of Samuel ha Levi in Toledo and Spain at that time if we consider that the Transito Synagogue was built as an extension of his palace and that this palace reached to the river Tagus: the palace was simply enormous! The only element of the palace that is left is the synagogue. 

Is the visit worth it?

We believe this is a must-do thing in Toledo . Some expert local guides in Toledo our team has consulted mention that they believe the Transito Synagogue is the number two amongst the  top attractions in Toledo  only  after the Cathedral of Toledo .  The fact the Sephardic museum is hosted next to the synagogue makes it even more interesting. 

Sephardic museum in Toledo

The museum is located next to the Synagogue and we stronglt recommend to pay a visit to its rooms. The museum has the official tittle of National Museum for Hispanic-Hebraic legacy. The museum was created in 1968 and has undergone several renovations since that time to adapt it to today´s needs. 

The word Sephardic defines the Sephardic Jews that inhabited Spain and that suffered expulsion from Spain during the middle ages. 

The collection of the museum holds a specialized library and many items of interest including marriage contracts, coins, liturgical items and much more. 

Tickets and tours to Transtito Synagogue

Tickets to access the Synagogue and the sephardic museum are best bought online. They can be purchased from the Spanish cultural ministry website on this  link .

You may also want to consider a private guided tour in Toledo.  Private tours provide you with the option to customise your itinerary in Toledo based on your interests. We include here a link to a  flexible private tour  in which you can opt for 3 or 6 hours tour and request a tour based on your interests (for instant a selection of monuments to visit, or a specific focus in sephardic or jewish Toledo that covers in greater detail than a standard tour the Jewist district of the city.  

Alcazar of Toledo

The Alcaza, one of Toledo´s top sights, is an impressive building facing the Tagus river in Toledo that has witnessed many wars and events.

The Alcázar of Toledo is the fortress that presides over the city of Toledo. Built at the highest point in the city it is currently is an important government building and contains the war museum of Toledo.

The witness of fires and wars

The massive structure of the Alcazar of Toledo stands at the highest point in the city. The current structure was first developed following restoration by the Christians, particularly by Alfonso VI and  Alfonso X “the Wise” . At that time we find already the Alcazar with its square ground plan and four corner towers. During the XVIth century, Charles I commissioned the famous architect  Alsonso de Covarrubias  with the building of the eastern façade, with its plateresque portal and the Northern façade. The southern façade was built following the plans of  Juan de Herrera .

The Alcazar burnt down in 1710 and during the French invasion, it was also burnt in 1810. It took a bit of time to rebuild the fortress and reconstruction started in 1862 and ended in 1882. But yet again fire destroyed the building in 1887, only five years after having been rebuilt!

At the time of the  outbreak of the civil war , the Alcazar was occupied by the military Academy. In 1936 it was totally destroyed during the war and later rebuilt.

The most interesting architectural elements of the Alcazar today are the arcaded court with Corinthian columns and built-in two floors. The main facade is also of interest, with decoration in its windows and balustrades.

History of El Alcazar of Toledo

The Alcazar has been an important strategic location since the 3 rd  century AC, when the Romans built a fortress in the same location. The Alcázar was rebuilt under  Charles I  (also known as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) and his heir Philip II during the 1540s.

Toledo has been a site of great importance to the history of Spain and the Alcázar was the political and military heart of the city.  The city of Toledo  was declared the capital of Spain in 1519 and remained as such until 1561 and during this time the Alcázar of Toledo was essentially the countries main government building. The Alcázar was the site where Charles I received the “conquistador”  Hernán Cortés  after he returned from South America having conquered the Aztec empire.

During the  Spanish Civil War , the Alcázar was again a site of great strategic value and was used as a military base. The  famous siege of the Alcazar  is one of the important moments in the history of the Spanish civil war.  Most of the fortifications had to be rebuilt after the conflict because of the damage the building received. The Alcázar was the focal point of an infamous siege during this time when troops loyal to General Franco barricaded themselves within the citadel and held of Republican troops for 2 months until re-enforcements arrived.

The Alcazar today: The Army museum

Paying attention to the history of this building, it comes as no surprise that today it holds an important army museum. The museum actually occupies two buildings: The immense Alcazar and a new building next to it. The building of the Alcazar is used to hold the permanent exhibition of the army museum. There are a total of  21 rooms or sections  Thirteen of these sections are dedicated to specific collections from the army. The remaining eight collections are dedicated to illustrate a history through a time of the Spanish army and its military endeavors.

If the visitor had still time, the recently built building holds temporary exhibitions (besides administrative areas, an auditorium, library, cafeteria, stores, and the workshops where all the restoration work takes place.  

Alcazar of Toledo. Is it worth the visit?

In our opinion, unless you are really interested in military history or you plan to spend more than two days in Toledo we would not recommend visiting the Army museum at the Alcazar of Toledo. The visit will take you at least three hours, too much time if you visit Toledo just for one or even two days bearing in mind all the o ther attractions Toledo offers . 

Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca

This large synagogue stands almost in the middle of a Jewish quarter on the Western side of Toledo.

Built at the end of the 12C, it was rebuilt after a fire in the 13C.

The interior of the Synagogue has five aisles, divided by horseshoe arches. The capitals are unusual, all being differently decorated with pine cones integrated into a geometrical arrangement. Around 1550 the synagogue was converted into a Christian church and three chapels were added to the end wall.

This Synagogue was the largest of all the ten synagogues that used to exist in Toledo before the expulsion. 

In this guide to one of  Toledo´s top sights , you will discover some anecdotes, like the reason for its name or why it looks more like a Muslim mosque than a synagogue from the outside .  Learn in this guide all things needed to plan your visit to the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.

The Synagogue was built during the XIIth century and the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca is one of the oldest buildings in Toledo (along with the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz. There is a visible inscription at one of the beams of the Synagogue that indicates the beginning of the construction in the year of 1180.

Architecture and style

The Synagogue is not a typical synagogue.  To start with, it was built in a  mainly Catholic territory at that time and by Muslim builders for the use of Jewish users and owners. This building in itself provides an excellent example to understand why we name today  Toledo as the city of three cultures .

The building can be considered as a fine example of Almohad architectural style since due to the time it was built we call today Mudejar. The use of bricks instead of pillars and the decoration of columns with vegetation motives illustrate the Almohad influence. 

From the outside, the synagogue could be described more as a mosque than as a synagogue (with the obvious detail that there is no minaret in the building) Brick, stone, and adobe are used in the façade and it Is in the interior where the visitor will probably be most surprised. There are 5 different naves all of them divided by horseshoe arches, the central nave being the largest of all them. There are a total of 32 pilasters and the overall impression, as already mentioned, is that of being inside a mosque.

History of the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca

The Synagogue was one of the ten Synagogues that existed in Toledo. At the end of the XIVth century revolts in Toledo and other areas of Spain against Jews implied a reduction in that number. The ultimate challenge for Jewish culture came in 1492 when Isabella and Ferdinand requested the expulsion or conversion of the Jews that live in Spain at the time.  Today only two Synagogues are still in place in Toledo: The Synagogue of Santa Maria de la Blanca and the  Transito Synagogue.   This last Synagogue holds an interesting Sephardic museum. 

The other Synagogues of Toledo

As we have mentioned, up to ten Synagogues provided service in Toledo during the 14th century. Santa María la Blanca was at that time known as the New Synagogue (in opposition to the Old temple which it did not replace) Amongst the other ten Synagogues we find: Syanogue of Samuel Ha-Leví, Synagogue of  ben Zizá, Sinagogue of Cordobes, Synagogue of Suloquia or the Synagogue of Algiada. 

Only a few of the ten Synagogues survived the different pogroms that underwent the Jewish quarter. The 1391 pogrom was probably the toughest and most decoration and ornamentation elements of the Synagogues were destroyed (when not the whole building). Today it is not possible to place where most of these Synagogues were located.  The Spanish government launched a project to  offer Spanish citizenship to those descendants of Jewish families  who were forced to exile in the XVIth century. 

Following the history of the Synagogue, during the XVIth century, it was used as a beaterium for public women who desired to change their lives.  And during the XVIIIth century, it was used by the army as barracks. Only in the XIXth century, it recovered as what we find today. 

Which Synagogue is best to visit in Toledo?

This is not an easy question. Not everybody is the same and tastes differ. The ideal option is to visit both Synagogues! Having said this, we would recommend if there is only time for one Synagogue to pay a  visit to El Transito Synagogue , which also hosts the Sephardic museum. 

Convento de Santa Isabel de los Reyes

The patio del Laurel was modelled on the Alhambra and you will also find the Queens bedroom.

The  Convent de Santa Isabel de los Reyes in Toledo , which takes in the Palacios de Casarrubios and Arroyomolinos, was established in 1477. This is not usually considered as one of  the top sights in Toledo , but we believe it is an exceptional landmark for art and culture lovers.  The two palaces were given as a gift to the convent by Isabella the Catholic. Preserved within are the Patio del Laurel, which is modeled on the Alhambra, and a few rooms, such as the dormitorio de la Reina (Queen’s bedroom). The courtyard of the sick-room, part of the Palacio Arroyomolinos, dates from a later period but is also in Mudéjar style. Integrated into the church is the former Parroquia de San Antolín, the Mudéjar apse of which survives.

The interior consists of a nave with a Gothic main chapel containing the tomb of Doña Inés de Ayala . This was made of black and white marble in the second half of the 15C. There is also a large Renaissance altarpiece of 1572.

Puerta de Bisagra in Toledo

The  Puerta de Bisagra in Toledo  is one of the gates of the City. It is the most famous Gate of the city and one of  the top attractions of Toledo.  The Gate of Bisagra, also known as the “New Gate” was first known as Bab al Sagra, a Muslim name that means  Gate of Sagra  (Sagra being an area outside of Toledo). 

The Gate is located in the Northern part of the  old city of Toledo , in an area not surrounded by the Tagus river. In 1540 construction was initiated to renovate this Gate. At that time, Charles I was King of Spain. The renovation was managed by the famous architect Alonso de Covarrubias, who was responsible for many projects in Castilla and also in Toledo (like the chapel of the Kings in the  Cathedral Primada of Toledo ). The renovation ended in 1576 and the structure at that time was similar to that of today.

The Gate was used for a long time as the point to collect taxes to the City. The Gate of Bisagra has been the main entrance point to Toledo for centuries and cars continued to use it today. In 1931 a number of buildings that were next to the Gate were taken down to prevent damage to the Gate.

While you walk through the Gate of Bisagra it makes sense to imagine artisans and merchants that arrived from outside the Wal-city and led towards  Zoquodover square , where the main market was located.

This city gate is flanked by a projecting square tower.  Two semicircular towers surround the main gate. The Gate of Bisagra contains the Coat of arms of Charles I

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Tourists pouring in to Toledo to see eclipse

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - People are coming from across the country to view the total solar eclipse in Toledo.

Tourists from New York, Michigan, Minnesota and North Carolina were lining up to check in to Toledo hotels on Sunday.

While Northwest Ohio experienced a partial solar eclipse in 2017, this is the first time the state is in the path of totality in over 200 yearrs.

Dione Rocha-Kolodziej and Mac Kolodziej drove 90 minutes from the Detroit Metro Area to make sure they wouldn’t miss this rare celestial event.

“We came to see the eclipse. It’s a really short drive to be able to be in the path of totality, so why not?,” Rocha-Kolodziej said.

She said they came the day before the eclipse to avoid traffic.

“We didn’t want to get stuck on 75 on the way here so it was like ‘ok, let’s go the night before,’” Rocha-Kolodziej said.

Other visitors are thinking even further ahead. Even preparing to move around the area in order to experience the total darkness.

“I think it depends a little bit on the weather, right? If the weather is a little cloudy, we might do some eclipse-chasing in the car,” said Kurt Kohlstead, who came to Toledo from Minneapolis to watch the eclipse.

Sachet Jain, a sophomore at Michigan State, met up with his mom in Toledo. She accidentally left an important tool back in New York.

“She forgot her eclipse glasses at home… She was trying to get me to wear them… I was trying to get her to wear them,” Jain said.

Luckily, both could wear them as their hotel was handing out the special eyewear to their guests.

Julian and Zach Ajluni were also spending the eclipse with their family, their dad is celebrating a special birthday during the eclipse.

“Fiftieth birthday, so a milestone and then we get to see the solar eclipse, which is pretty cool,” Zach said.

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