Toledo sights. What to see in the fortress city

Things to see in Toledo

Toledo is a splendid museum city with many attractions, where around every corner there are hidden secrets of the past, many of which have been collected over the last two millennia. The city sits on a hill surrounded by fortress walls dating back to Roman rule and reconstructed by the Arabs, who gave the walls their present appearance. These walls also witnessed a rich history when Toledo was the capital of Spain for over 40 years, from 1519 to 1561. The historic centre is very impressive, with a special atmosphere of the Middle Ages that can be felt when inside the fortress. Only it's a whole fortress city! There's a lot to see, isn't there?

The main attractions of Toledo in one day

We stayed in Toledo for one night, only 1 hour drive from Madrid. As we were travelling by car, we were advised to park before entering the city, which of course we didn't do. But we had an excuse: we were with children and a dog, and accordingly we had a lot of bags and little patience to carry it all from the car park to the hotel. It is good that there are places where parking is forbidden, but loading and unloading is allowed. But there is very little room for manoeuvring, so if you have a car, it is better to leave it in the car parks outside the city walls. They are easy to spot, there are signs before you enter, or you can reinsure yourself and mark the car park on google maps.

The most important landmarks are in the historic centre, not far from each other, so you can take a quiet, leisurely stroll, looking at everything along the way. And what a great place to take photos! So where to start sightseeing in Toledo?

Bisagra Gate - Puerta de Bisagra

Our day started with a walk to the main gate of Bisagra, leading into the historic city centre. It is located in the fortress wall, and the imposing towers above it tell us that we are entering the most monumental city in Spain! Walking through this archway feels like walking into a film about the Middle Ages. Very interesting!

Cristo de la Luz Mosque - Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz

The mosque building was built in the 10th century, as evidenced by its unusual architecture with oriental-style arches and colourful gardens. You have to pay 4 € to enter and see the premises inside. It's not really a big price to pay, but the building is very small and there are better places for tourists to go. Unless you have purchased a tourist bracelet for sightseeing Toledo from the inside - then the mosque can be visited at no extra cost, just by showing it. But, if you come to Toledo for one day, it is better not to buy it, as the excursions take actually a lot of time. It is better to choose the most interesting points for you and walk around the city from one Toledo attraction to another. So what is this tourist bracelet, you may ask. Or maybe you don't. Maybe you already know about it, then scroll a little further. The tourist wristband - it costs 12€ and allows you to visit 7 significant places in Toledo:

Church of Santo Tomé

Cristo de la Luz Mosque

Church of San Ildefonso

The Royal College of Noble Maidens

Church of Del Salvador

Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca

The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Visiting each of these places separately costs 4 € each.

But we're distracted. Let's move on.

Zokodover Square - Plaza De Zocodover

This is Toledo's main square, a 5-minute leisurely stroll from the Cristo de la Luz Mosque. The word Zocodover is quite unusual, it has Arabic roots and literally means ‘animal market’ - back in the day it was a weekly market on Tuesdays, where animals were sold and bought for travelling and working in the fields. To be the main square of such an unusual city as Toledo - it is a bit small, but there are always a lot of people here and there are bars and restaurants. However, when my family and I went for lunch in one of these restaurants in Zocodover Square, we didn't like the fact that we were treated like annoying tourists - we were served little food with the usual flavour, but at the price of an expensive restaurant. Maybe it's only us that this happens to us?

Alcázar Castle in Toledo - Alcázar de Toledo

The Alcázar is visible from almost all sides of Toledo - it is located two minutes from Zocodover Square, on the highest point of the city, and is a square-shaped structure with watchtowers at the corners. It looks very impressive from the outside! The Spanish Army Museum is located here. Entrance is paid, but inexpensive - 5 €. Here you can walk through the thematic halls, see interesting exhibits, weapons, military vehicles, and even a helicopter!

Alcantara Bridge - Puente de Alcántara

An extraordinary bridge with two arches of Roman origin can be visited by descending from the Alcázar fortress. It offers the same extraordinary, magnificent views. If you have time, you can walk along the path along the Tahoe River to reach another bridge, San Martin, which is also very interesting to see.

The Cathedral of St Mary in Toledo - Catedral de Santa María de Toledo

One of Toledo's most important attractions. A Gothic style cathedral that is stunning to the imagination. The exterior architecture of the cathedral building is full of different forms and details that you want to look long and carefully. Inside, the Toledo Cathedral is just as magnificent as the outside, and even better - altarpieces, medieval stained glass windows, incredible paintings by Renaissance artists - absolutely everything is impressive! Entrance is 12 €, you can buy your ticket at the shop opposite one side of the cathedral, easy to see.

San Ildefonso Church in Toledo - Iglesia de San Ildefonso en Toledo

Also known as the Jesuit Temple, this church is in the centre, a 10-minute walk from Toledo Cathedral. It looks spectacular both inside and out. The visit is included in the tourist bracelet ticket. If you don't have one, it's 4 €. You can climb the lookout towers, stand there and enjoy the best views of the city.

El Greco Museum in Toledo - Museo del Greco en Toledo

Painter born in the 16th century on the island of Crete, Greece, and lived most of his life in Toledo. He was known as a sculptor and architect, but most of all as a painter. His exquisite paintings, including those with religious subjects, made him famous not only in Spain but also abroad. Regardless of whether you are interested in creativity - it will be interesting here! Entrance to the El Greco Museum costs €3. On Saturday after 14:00 and on Sunday the museum is free of charge.

San Juan de los Reyes Monastery - Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Another attraction of Toledo is the Gothic-style monastery, which was built in 1495 by order of Queen Isabella of Castile, also known in Spain as Isabella the Catholic. The architecture of the building is very impressive, the meticulously crafted details make you want to fully and unhurriedly examine and reflect on what you see. The high ceilings inside and the bright colourful stained glass windows are also waiting to be admired. A very unusual place with an interesting atmosphere! Entrance is of course chargeable - 4 €. But if you have purchased a tourist bracelet, you can enter and see everything from the inside at no extra charge.