The historical center of Toledo is a repertoire of exceptional landmarks that depict diverse architectural influences. Its charming alleys are dotted with a range of landmarks that belong to the Renaissance, Gothic, Mudejar and Arabic eras. The Toledo Cathedral, Alcazar and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz are some of the most unmissable monuments located at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite the fact that both the Romans and the Visigoths undertook the task of protecting Toledo, it was the Muslims who, after capturing the city in 711, reinforced the old city walls to adapt them to their new military function as the frontier capital of the newly created Islamic State. The old Moorish wall still stands. It's still possible to see some remains of the Visigothic wall next to the Puerta de Bisagra).
Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo is a huge, Gothic structure built between the 13th and 15th centuries with unusual mudejar-style decoration and vaults in the apse. Take a look at the extraordinary main altarpiece, the statues and frescoes in its 22 chapels, the Renaissance-style choir stalls and the plateresque wrought-iron work. However, the biggest attractions are kept in the museum inside the church: paintings by El Greco, Van Dyck, Titian, Lucas Jordan and Rafael along with Enrique de Arfe's 16th-century monstrance crafted out of gold and silver. Mass is conducted in Spring & Summer.
San Martin bridge was built in 1203 to replace a previous bridge made out of wooden boats that was destroyed by floods. It too was partially demolished in the fourteenth century when the city was under siege during civil war in the Kingdom of Castille but was restored shortly afterwards. San Martin bridge has five arches and is flanked by two solid defensive towers with decorative facades.
The history of Toledo is manifold, right from swords, to being one of the prime ancient cities with Jewish inhabitation. The narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter of Toledo are filled with stories, spine-chilling all of them, about the Community's eviction in the 15th Century C.E. The area now tells all about their lives, culture and regalia. There's the School of Translators that still exists, along with two of the ten Synagogues exhibiting the age-old scriptures and tales. History is not made; history makes us, and the Jewish Quarter explains that ardently, about the present-day Toledo, and the past. The Jewish Quarter should definitely be walked around, through the windy streets, where even time has barely managed to crawl in!
Toledo is a historic city, undoubtedly, but the fact that the Tagus river is on its periphery gives the city a new aspect: that of nature's bliss. Senda Ecológica De Toledo is a path by the southern edge of Toledo, and one that can be strolled for some fresh air and a breathtaking view of the city. The majestic labyrinthine buildings, and also the beautiful Alcantara Bridge and the San Martin Bridge are a treat to the eyes from this end. The Tagus river looks beautiful as well.
This is one of the straightest streets in Toledo because it runs parallel to the old wall. It's named in honour of Emperor Charles V who was influential in turning Toledo into an imperial city as he made it his home for so long. There are a number of interesting buildings on the right-hand side of the road, among which number 9 is particularly significant because of its Neo-Mudejar architecture. It used to be the headquarters of Telefonica (The Spanish state phone company) but is now privately owned. On the left-hand side is the Alcázar (fortress and castle), which is reached by taking the stairs found in the wall. The centrally located Cuesta Carlos V near Zocodover is a popular street that attracts lots of tourists and locals alike.
Constructed in the 13th Century, on the site of a 10th Century mosque, San Sebastian is located in Toledo, Spain. It has a Mudéjar style architecture and has an Arabic decor. The church tower displays features of the minaret that stood in its place. The church is one of the oldest monuments in the city.
The historical center of Toledo is a repertoire of exceptional landmarks that depict diverse architectural influences. Its charming alleys are dotted with a range of landmarks that belong to the Renaissance, Gothic, Mudejar and Arabic eras. The Toledo Cathedral, Alcazar and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz are some of the most unmissable monuments located at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.