Toledo is a testament to Spain's diverse history where you see churches, synagogues, and mosques stand together in its historic quarter. Sitting atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages, a place where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted. It is also a city rich in stunning countryside views and is known to be El Greco's inspiration for his paintings, which are on display around the city. Enjoy this wondrous city with the Toledo Travel Guide and Offline Map on hand.
1. Alcázar Fortress
At the highest point in the city emerges through the imposing Alcázar. The stone fortification was once used as a Roman palace in the third century and was then restored under Charles I and his son Philip II of Spain in the 1540's. Once the court moved to Madrid, Alcázar it eventually became a military academy. It is a place that indeed stands the test of time. In the 1930's the fortress was heavily damaged during the siege of the garrison by loyalist militias at the start of the civil war. Today, it is reopened as a vast military museum.
2. Museo de Santa Cruz
Can you imagine a hospital that boasts an ornate plateresque portico that welcomes you into a series of with six cradles that intersect forming four courtyards? Well, Museo de Santa Cruz was exactly just that. The 16th-century building is a work of art that was built to centralize assistance to orphaned and abandoned children in the city. Now it houses beautiful arts and ceramics with various sculpture exhibits on display.
3. Cathedral
The Toledo Cathedral is one of the most notable cathedrals in Spain. In fact, it ranks among the top 10 cathedrals in the country. The illustrious building is an impressive example of medieval Gothic architecture. Its enormous interior is full of the rose windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and pointed arches, which are classic pieces of the style. The cathedral is an art gallery by its own right, with displays of old masters such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco himself.
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