Toledo

A UNESCO World Heritage old city surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, known as the “city of three cultures” for its Christian, Jewish and Islamic heritage. Its cathedral and El Greco paintings are the highlights.

Toledo lies 70 km south of Madrid. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha and was Spain’s capital until 1561. The entire old city is built on a granite hill surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1986. In the Middle Ages, Christians, Jews and Muslims lived together here, earning the city its reputation as the “city of three cultures.” Key highlights include the Toledo Cathedral (13th–15th centuries), the pinnacle of Spanish Gothic architecture. It contains El Greco’s “Disrobing of Christ” and a baroque “transparent altarpiece.” Tickets cost about 12.5 euros. Inside the Santo Tomé church is El Greco’s masterpiece “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” (about 4 euros). The Jewish quarter includes the white Santa María la Blanca synagogue and the Transito Synagogue, which houses the Sephardic Museum. At the top of the hill is the Alcázar castle, which houses a military museum. There is also the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, dating from the 10th century. The old town itself is a maze of steep stone lanes, known for swords, damascene inlay crafts and Mazapán (almond marzipan). The classic panoramic viewpoint is the Mirador del Valle, across the river. You can get there by a small sightseeing train or taxi, and it is most beautiful in the evening. Getting there: the high-speed Avant train from Atocha station takes about 33 minutes. The station itself is a neo-Mudéjar building and worth seeing. Alternatively, take an ALSA bus from Plaza Elíptica, about 1 hour. From the train station to the old town is a 20-minute uphill walk, or you can take a bus or escalator. Plan to spend a full day, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid midday in summer.

Toledo

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