Toledo

Gregorio y Javier , the owner of Spa Hotel La Salve looks forward to welcome you to Toledo

Description

Considered by many to be a “Second Rome”, Toledo is still very much a unique city. Unique in its details, history, culture and charm. Three cultures from three single-faith religions – Muslim, Jew and Christian – left their imprints on this “sad rock and cradle of civilisations”, as Cervantes wrote, embracing the Tajo river, witness to the mark of all the peoples of the Iberian Peninsular.

For centuries, the capital of Castile-La Mancha has been able to preserve an unrivalled, thousand-year-old urban, architectural, and artistic heritage. Churches, synagogues, mosques, convents, city walls, bridges, towers and an endless amount of cultural and artistic possibilities held in their buildings make Toledo a museum waiting to be discovered.

Losing yourself in its squares, gardens and narrow streets will make your visit an unforgettable experience. Made to be walked along their long slopes and to be seen on the horizon, there are a large number of monuments in Toledo, surrounded byunforgettable spots and places that awaken sensations in the eyes of those who visit and those who have the good fortune to live there.

Travel guide

How to Get There

By car:
From Madrid:
AP-41: Autopista de Peaje Madrid-Toledo (Motorway Toll)
A-42: Autovía de Toledo (Highway)
From the south:
A-4: Autovía del Sur (Highway)
From the west/Portugal:
A-5: Autovía del Suroeste (Highway)
From the east:
N-400: Autovía Madrid-Valencia (Vía Ocaña) (Highway)
From Ciudad Real:
CM-42: Autovía de los Viñedos (Highway)
From the north:
N-403: Carretera Toledo-Ávila (Highway)

By air:
Barajas International Airport (Madrid)
At only a 50-minutes-drive, taking the M-40 towards A-42 (Highway Toledo).

By train:
AVE Madrid-Toledo (High Speed Train)
In just 25 minutes from the Atocha station in the centre of Madrid.

Toledo: Plan your journey by public transport

Railway Station Toledo
With AVE high-speed-train connection to Madrid (journey of only 25 minutes).

Toledo Bus Station
With connections every 30 minutes to and from Madrid (approx. 50 min. travel)
Madrid-Barajas Airport

With daily flights to national and international destinations.

Toledo weather forecast

Places to go

La Puebla de Montalbán

La Puebla de Montalbán, a town with major 16th century monuments is located in the province of Toledo, Spain.

TO SEE: An old noble town whose historic past has left it major monuments, such as the main square, where you will find the church of Nuestra Señora de la Paz and the palace of the Duchess of Osuna, from the 15th century.

TO DO: Other outstanding buildings are the tower of San Miguel, the only remains of the old church, built in 1604; the church and convent of San Francisco, founded in 1560 and erected in the Renaissance style with baroque alterations; the monastery of La Concepción, founded in 1522; the hospital of La Caridad, from the 16th century; the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, built between 1733 and 1743 in the baroque style.

RECOMMEND: On the outskirts of the city and spanning the river Tagus you’ll find a bridge with 11 arches, built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 17th century.

Talavera  de la Reina

Located in the fertile plains of the rivers Tagus and Alberche, Talavera  de la Reina has been famous for its ceramics for centuries.

TO SEE:

Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado
According to tradition, this site was originally a Roman temple where the goddess Ceres was worshipped, before the city was converted to Christianity in 602 by Liuva II, after which the building guarded the image of the city’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Prado (Our Lady of the Meadow). It was termed theQueen of Hermitages by King Felipe II, and is also popularly known as “the Sistene Chapel of Ceramics” – and from the 16th century right down to the present day has displayed the art of ceramics in all its splendour.

Roman Bridge (Old Bridge)
This is the oldest of the three bridges which ford the Tagus in Talavera. It is believed that part of the bridge could be of Roman origin, although very little survives from that period, due to the frequent flooding of the river, which, over the centuries, has swept large parts of it away.

Convent of the Barefoot Carmelites of El Carmen
Built over the remains of the city wall in the area known as Entretorres (“between the towers”), this church was consecrated in 1711. However, the Dissolution of the Monasteries meant the convent was closed down and in 1848 it became a factory for making large earthenware jars (tinajas). In 1849 the building was bought by Juan Niveiro, who set up the “El Carmen” Pottery Factory there.

Ruiz de Luna Pottery Museum
The Ruiz de Luna Pottery Museum is housed in one wing of the former convent of San Agustín, which was founded anew in 1566 by San Alonso de Orozco from Oropesa, who reformed the Order of the Augustinian Recollects in this Talaveran monastery. The museum houses a collection of pottery from the 16th century to the 20th century, featuring Mudejar-influenced mid-16th century ceramic work, with a three-colour design, a series depicting ferns and swallows, and a polychrome series from C.17th, the golden age of Talavera pottery.

TO DO:

The Pottery Route. On foot, visiting the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado, the bridges on the lake, the Ruiz de Luna Museum and the Pottery Workshop.

The city Walls Route. Itinerary: Plaza del Pan. Charcon Corredera and the interior of the Albarran Towers.

The Water Route. The history of water in Talavera de la Reina. Itinerary: On foot, with a local guide, with visits to the Roman Bridge, the River Tagus Interpretation Centre and the fountains in the El Prado gardens.

Toledo

Toledo, the “city of the three cultures”, has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

TO SEE: The “city of the three cultures” (Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries) is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Its more than one hundred monuments, narrow and steep streets turn a stroll through the town into a journey in time during which you dan dive into a world full of history and magic. The great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter of the capital of La Mancha a real open-air museum, which has led to it being declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.

TO DO:

Alcazar: The symbol of the city and witness of some of the highlights of the history of Spain. Houses currently the Army Museum.

Cathedral: One of the most outstanding buildings in the city, built between 1126 and 1492. Considered one of the high points of Gothic art, although you’ll see also other styles: the  Renaissance choir, the Mozarabic chapel, Mudejar art in the anteroom. With by El Greco, Rubens, Luca Giordano, Van Dick or Goya.

El Greco House-Museum: If there is one person’s name that defines Toledo it is that of El Greco (16th-17th C.). His house, a 16th century palace, exhibits some of the painter’s best works.

Synagogue of El Transito: Built in 1366 by Samuel Levi, the synagogue belonged to the Jews until their expulsion by the Catholic Monarchs and became subsequently a Christian church. The museum houses the Jewish history of Spain and its walls are decorated with beautiful Hebrew inscriptions.

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes: Considered the most beautiful church of Toledo, commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs. Inside the monument you’ll find one single and magnificent nave in form of a Latin cross and a starry dome. Outstanding for its great ornamentation and for its cloister, of great sculptural value.

RECOMMEND: Strolling through the streets, gardens and squares. Made to be walked along their long slopes and to be seen on the horizon, there are a large number of monuments in Toledo, surrounded by unforgettable spots and places that awaken sensations in the eyes of those who visit and those who are so lucky to live there.

Torrijos

Torrijos, located in the province of Toledo, is a town of much economic potential whose foundation dates back to Roman times.

TO SEE:

Torrijos is a town of much economic potential, whose foundation dates back to Roman times. However its emerging present is not at odds with the preservation of its noble past when palaces were built and important historical events took place.

As traces of its important past, three monuments still remain and are a must: La Colegiata (16th century), a beautiful example of Plateresque architecture; the Palacio de Pedro (16th century), now town hall; and the Chapel of El Cristo de la Sangre, of great devotion throughout the region.

TO DO:

Santísimo Sacramento Collegiate Church
It was built in the 16th century on the site of an old mosque (the tower replaced an old minaret), the church has 3 naves: the central one is higher. It has a choir with stalls and an anonymous reredos from the Correa de Vivar school. The sacristy and the chapel of San Gil (patron saint of Torrijos) are worth pointing out. Outside, it is clear that this church is an example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance. The flying buttresses and the gargoyles on its 2 fronts as well as the colour of the building itself are outstanding features.

Convent of the Franciscan Conceptionists – Palace of Don Pedro I of Castile

Another building of interest, this convent was declared to be a monument in 1981. Built on the remains of the old palace of Don Pedro I of Castile, from the 14th century, it consists of a double gallery around which stand the palace and the church.

Also outstanding is the hospital of La Caridad or Santísima Trinidad, declared to be of Cultural Heritage. A Renaissance building erected in the 16th century, especially striking is its chapel of Cristo de la Sangre.

RECOMMEND: In Torrijos there are numerous ham and sausage factories, so we recommend buying some these products.

Ravines of Burujón

Las Barrancas de Burujón are spectacular ravines located in the province of Toledo, Spain.

TO SEE: One of the most beautiful, impressive and surprising landscapes in the province of Toledo. The clayey ravines were formed by erosion of the river Tagus on 25 million years old sediments.

The extension of these clayey and reddish ravines is about one kilometer long. In some places thay reach more than a hundred meters altitude, particularly in its highest peak, which is known as the Pico del Cambron.

Furthermore, there is also the Castrejon Reservoir (built in 1967 with an average of 40 hm3), which confers even greater beauty to this place and it turns it into a refuge for many bird species.

The richness of this privileged landscape can be appreciated by the “Ecological Trail of Las Barrancas”, which has several viewpoints from which you can see these spectacular ravines, as well as its flora and fauna.

All these factors contribute to turn Las Barrancas de Burujón into one of the most beautiful corners of the province of Toledo. Although it is also one of the most unknown places, since its location has gone unnoticed by most visitors.

This place was protected in 1995 by the Ministry for the Environment and Agriculture who delcared Las Barrancas a Wildlife Refuge. Due to the relevance of its fauna, flora and habitats, it was also included in the Natura Network 2000 as a Site of Community Interest and Special Area Bird Protection.

TO DO: Visiting one of the most beautiful, stunning and surprising landscapes in the province of Toledo. Las Barrancas are spectacular clayey ravines that have been formed by erosion of the river Tagus on 25 million years old sediments.

RECOMMEND: The “Senda Ecológica de las Barrancas ” (Ecological path of the Canyon) has several viewpoints from which you can see the spectacular ravines and watch its fauna and flora.

Routes

Route through the Christian Toledo

Admire the influence of the cardinals along this route, because Toledo wouldn’t be Toledo without the emblematic figure of the Cathedral and this one wouldn’t be what is now without the influence of the primate cardinals.

This route begins at Gate of king Alfonso VI. It used to be the main entrance to the city of Toledo. The Christian and Muslim styles are merged in a unique representation of the architecture that can be found in the city. Its façade is in good condition and still remains intact, and the construction is composed of three horseshoe arches; the largest arch hosts smaller arches.

San Marcos. It offers a new approach to explain its visitors the ins and outs of the city of Toledo. The “Keys to Toledo, a Key to the Future” project is one of the many efforts of the Interpretation Center, where the city is portrayed to the visitor so he can understand and discover the mesh of cultures of this capital with a different and modern approach. This ambitious project has been set up on a surface area that spans over more than 800 square meters, more than thirty audiovisual installations, with light, sound, set design, models, etc. to complete an amazing scenario for the exhibition of the historical memory of such a charming city.

Santa Isabel de los Reyes. This ancient church, which dates back to the 15th century, features an interesting Mudejar apse and beautiful coffered ceilings from the Middle Ages. The palaces, commonly known as Queen’s Houses, were built inside the convent, giving onto a magnificent patio (el Patio de Enfermería), a Mudejar-style construction dating back to the 14th century and featuring extraordinary plasterworks.

Cathedral. This magnificent building is probably the construction that best exemplifies the charm and features of the city and was built during the years 1226 and 1492. The main construction pattern of the cathedral is Gothic but many different styles of art are represented in its decoration, with such styles as the Renaissance in the choir stall, Mozarab in the chapel or Mudejar in the anteroom. The sacristy is a true museum itself, with works from very famous artists, such as El Greco, Rubens, Zurbarán, Lucas Jordán, Vand Dick, Tristán and Goya, among others. However, the whole cathedral is to be considered as a museum that is worthy of admiration.

Distance/Time: Approx. 1 hour
Points:
Alfonso VI Gate – Hostal del Cardenal (patio) – Palace of El Nuncio – Colegio de Doncellas (exterior view) – Church of Santa Eulalia – Palace Lorenzana – San Marcos – Ayuntamiento – Convent of Santa Isabel – Palace of King Don Pedro (façade) – Church of San Andrés – Pozo Amargo – Colegio de Infantes (façade) – Catedral

Route through the Islamic quarter of Toledo

Let yourself take by the enchantment of the Islamic Toledo, discover the Moslem legacy and the traks of those false Moslems (the Mozarabs), appreciating their peculiar Mudejar style.

This route starts at the Puerta of King Alfonso VI. This gate used to be the main entrance to the city of Toledo. The Christian and Muslim styles are merged in a unique representation of the architecture that can be found in the city. Its façade is in good condition and still remains intact, and the construction is composed of three horseshoe arches; the largest arch hosts smaller arches.

Puerta del Sol. This gate is a mudejar construction which was built in the 8th century to provide access to the Muslim medina before the expansion of the wall. When the said construction was erected, its protective function was no longer of any use, becoming a second gate for transit. The rectangular plan is completed with a semicircular end and a large pointed arch is supported over two columns, right in front of the horseshoe arch gate. Two masonry towers are erected, one is semicircular and the other one is square, with battlements and windows.

Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz. This ‘Christ of the Light Mosque’ was built in the 10th century, with marble columns and Visigoth capitals that support the nine domes which are adorned and constructed in different styles. According to the legend, El Cid was brought to this place by his horse. He kneeled down and found an image of Christ which had been buried by the Christian followers to hide it from the Muslim.

Mezquita de Tornerias. 11th century mosque that was built on Roman foundations to reproduce a similar outline to that of Christ of the Light, which was probably used as the model. It currently houses the Centre for the Promotion of Craftwork of Castile-La Mancha where monographic expositions are regularly held.

Alcazar. One of the most symbolic sites of Toledo and a privileged witness of some of the most important events in the History of Spain. It achieved its greatest splendor during the reign of Carlos I, when the best and most renown architects devoted their talent to this historic building. Nowadays it shelters the Army Museum. This museum be organized into eigth main rooms with historic collections (up to the 20th century) and twelve thematic rooms with diverse collections.

Distance/Time: Approx. 40 minutes (only walk, without visiting no monument)
Points:
Puerta de Alfonso VI – Santiago del Arrabal Church – Gate Valmardón – Gate del Sol – Cristo de la Luz Mosque – Tornerías Mosque – Plaza Mayor – Posada de la Hermandad (façade) – San Justo Church – San Lucas Church – San Miguel Church – Alcázar

Route through the Jewish quarter of Toledo

The tangle of beautiful and steep streets of the Jewish Quarter transports the visitor into the Toledo of the Middle Ages…

This route begins at the Puerta del Cambrón. This Renaissance gate with Arab origin is also known as the Jew’s Gate, since you had to pass it in order to get to the Jewish neighborhood of the city.

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. This church is considered to be the most beautiful church in Toledo. The single and magnificent nave has a Latin cross plan and an interior star-shaped dome. The main chapel hosts the five great coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, finished with the utmost care and held by huge eagles.

Synagogue Santa María la Blanca. It was built in the 12th century and belonged to the Jews until the year 1405, when it was consecrated as a Christian church. The beautiful construction reflects its rich heritage. Its interior boasts five naves which are separated by 29 horseshoe arches over lime-painted brick pillars, with fancy decorations, larch coffered ceilings and plateresque altars.

Synagoghe El Tránsito. It was built in 1366 by Samuel Leví, and it belonged to the Hebrews until they were expelled by the Catholic Monarchs. The museum exhibits the history of the Jews in Spain with a collection of liturgical and traditional Sephardic objects.

El Greco’s Museum. It is an accurate reproduction of a typical mansion in Toledo at the end of the 16th century. The furniture and objets d’art, together with the structure of the building, decorate the house to recreate the original historic dwellings of that age. The musem boasts many of El Greco’s paintings.

Church of Santo Tomé. The painting called “The Burial of Lord of Orgaz”, by El Greco is probably the reason for the world-wide acclaim of the church.

Bridge of San Martin. This bridge is supported by four arches and it was built in the 14th century. The central arch is the largest of the four arches; it is pointed and is 27 meters high.

Distance/Time: 2 km
Points:
Puerta del Cambrón – San Juan de los Reyes Monastery – Santa M ª la Blanca Synagogue – Tránsito Synagogue (Sephardic Museum) – El Greco Museum – Santo Tomé Church (El Entierro del Señor de Orgaz) – Virgen de Gracia Viewpoint – San Martín Bridge

Route through the Renaissance Toledo

Walk around the bright ages of the history of Toledo and enjoy with the great architecture buildings that this period gave to the town.

This route begins at the Hospital of Tavera, which was built in 1541. Its façade depicts a Renaissance style and inside we can see two perfectly symmetrical patios with Dorian columns and Ionian arches. The founder is buried inside the church. Many different works from famous painters are exhibited in the museum, such as El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán, Tiziano or Tintoretto.

Gate of Bisagra. The most beautiful and emblematic entrance to the city. It was built by the emperor Charles V. Even though it has Arab origins, it was built and modified with clear Renaissance features in 1550. The façade is crowned by a shield of arms over two solid masonry towers, which displays a two-headed eagle and it was handed over to Toledo by Charles V.

Convent of Santo Domingo el Antiguo. This is one of the oldest buildings in the city and its magnificent altarpiece was painted by El Greco. The convent was built in the 11th century and refurbished in the 16th century. The church has a Latin cross plan with a single nave, exhibiting a vast collection of altarpieces and paintings from El Greco, with many of his works in the choir.

Church of San Roman. The Museum of the Visigoth Councils is currently hosted in this building, including Visigoth remains and a collection of beautiful Romanic mural paintings from the 13th century, which are in perfect condition. We can also see a fine caliph style arcade with Visigoth capitals that were used before.

Church of San Ildefonso. Located at the top of the city and a panoramic view of the city of Toledo can be admired from its towers. Inside the church we can find sculptures from the 17th and 18th century. In addition, one of the main highlights is the Baroque church with its chamfered corners.

Museo de Santa Cruz. This old hospital, with a clear plateresque style, was built at the beginning of the 16th century as a single gathering point for all hospitals of Toledo. It currently hosts the Museum of Santa Cruz, where different canvases painted by El Greco are exhibited.

Distance/Time: 3,6 km
Points:
Tavera Hospital – Puerta de Bisagra – Santa Leocadia Church – Santo Domingo el Antiguo Convent – San Román Church – San Clemente Convent – San Pedro Mártir Convent – San Ildefonso Church – Santo Domingo el Real Convent – Santa Clara Monastery – Plaza de Zocodover – Santa Cruz Museum – Alcázar

Archaeological Heritage of La Jara

Circular route by car to the archaeological Site of Ciudad de Vascos, located in the province of Toledo, Spain.

The route that we propose runs through the southwest area of the province. You will visit the important Spanish-Muslim archaeological site of the 10th and 11th centuries: “Ciudad de Vascos”, and its Interpretation Centre in Navalmoralejo; apprecciate the typical popular architecture of La Jara and visit an antique winepress in Campillo de la Jara; discover the valuable tiled panels from Talavera de la Reina from the 16th and 17th centuries in the interior of the Piedraescrita Church; the “Rollo Jurisdiccional” (pillory) from the 16th century and the popular Neomudejar architecture of Espinoso del Rey. Taste the delicious marzipans from Los Navalmorales, without forgetting to visit its 17th century renaissance Church of Our Lady of “Antigua”.

And if you like sports and adventure, you must visit “El Chorro”, a more than 15 meters high cascade, located in the municipal area of Los Navalucillos (inside the National Park of Cabañeros).

Distance/Time: Circular route of approx. 280 kms from and to Torrijos.
Points:
Talavera de la Reina – Calera y Chozas – El Puente del Arzobispo – Navalmoralejo – El Campillo de La Jara – La Nava de Ricomalillo – Robledo del Mazo – Piedraescrita – Espinoso del Rey – Los Navalmorales – Los Navalucillos

Don Quixote Route

Route following the steps of Cervantes famous knight, Don Quixote de la Mancha, through the province of Toledo, Spain.

The route starts in Toledo and passes through several villages and towns where to discover the famous windmills, main squares and castles as well as varied popular architecture, all made immortal by Miguel de Cervantes. Thanks to the lagoons you will also enjoy the extraordinary natural wealth of the whole area.

After leaving Toledo and passing through Nambroca and the castles of Mascaraqueand Almonacid, you’ll arrive at Mora and Tembleque, where you can take a walk around the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares of La Mancha. In Villacañasyou’ll be surprised by the presence of the unique “silos”, underground housings still in use.

From here to the village of Mota del Cuervo, the hills are still covered by the silhouettes of these century-old windmills that needed the force of the wind  to overcome Don Quixote.

And last but not least you’ll get to the village of El Toboso, where Dulcinea supposedly lived, completely oblivious to the madness that caused her beauty to Don Quixote. Maybe you’d like to visit the Cervantino Museum and see the exhibition of numerous editions of Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote.

Distance/Time: One way from Toledo to Mota del Cuervo: 143 km
Points:
Toledo – Nambroca – Almonacid – Mascaraque – Mora – Tembleque – Villacañas – El Toboso – Mota del Cuervo

Ethnographic Route through the San Vicente

Ethnographic Route through the San Vicente mountain range in the province of Toledo, Spain.

The diversity of ethnographic resources existing in the towns of this district make it essential to select some of them that link some towns to others. On this route you will visit the “Rollos de Justicia” existing in Cardiel de los Montes, Castillo de Bayuela andPelahustán, that justified their classification as municipality. The shoeing frames that exist in the majority of the towns are an indication of the cattle-raising tradition of the area that still persists today. The fountains and pillars that were put to domestic as well as livestock use are conserved in perfect condition and, even today, they are used for different purposes. A district with exuberant landscapes where you can go through “The Viriato Path“.

Distance/Time: From and to Torrijos: approx. 115 km
Points:
Cardiel de los Montes – Castillo de Bayuela – Pelahustán

Handicraft Tour through the province of Toledo

Between the mountain range of Gredos and the valley of the Tagus river, this route runs through cattle-raising and intensive agriculture lands. It stands out for being one of the main handicraft areas of Spain.

You’ll visit and see the famous embroidery of Lagartera, the outstanding “tejidillo or colchado” of Navalcán and the ceramics of Talavera de la Reina and El Puente del Arzobispo. You can also take a walk through the monumental village of Oropesa, visiting La Calzada de Oropesa, with its charming and popular areas, the “Soldadesca” of El Torrico or the village of Valdeverdeja located on the banks of the Tagus river.

Distance/Time: From and to Torrijos: 257 km
Points:
Talavera de la Reina – Navalcán – Oropesa – Lagartera – La Calzada de Oropesa – Valdeverdeja – El Torrico – El Puente del Arzobispo

Tour to the castles of the Tajo River in the province of Toledo

Route visiting several castles of the province of Toledo, Castile La Mancha, Spain.

The Castillo de Montalban, of Muslim origin, was part of a line of forts built to defend the Tagus (or Tajo) river. Alfonso VIII donated the Castle in 1179 to the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, better known as the Templarian Knights. It stands on an impressive gorge of the Torcón river and still has some magnificent towers with pentagonal floor plans.

Ermita de Meque: the church of Santa María de Melque was a monastic complex built in the 18th century. A few former farm houses that surround the shrine have been restored as an interpretation center. Without a doubt, this is the best preserved Visigothic temple of the entire Iberian Peninsula.

The Castillo de Maqueda, of Muslim origin, was rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th century by Gutierre de Cardenas, who left his coat of arms on the main door. Queen Isabella I of Castile lived here for some time. Recently, the Guardia Civil took the castle as quarters and shortly a museum about this paramilitary police force will be opened up too.

The Castillo de Malpica was built on an ancient Arab fortress. In 1420 Juan II of Castile passed here when he was on the run. Three sides of the castle have a moat, the fourth is protected by the Tajo River, offering spectacular views. This is the best preserved castle in the province of Toledo.

Distance/Time: Circular route; from and to Torrijos approx. 80 km
Points:
Castle of Montalban – Hermitage of Meque – Castle of Maqueda – Castle of Malpica

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