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.
This stronghold was built by Alfonso VI on a hill high above the city on the site of the ruins of a Muslim fort. It is rectangular in structure and flanked by four square towers. The facade presents rows of balconies and windows and a walkway with banisters. Alsonso de Covarrubias was responsible for the picturesque gateway. Nowadays, it is not only the home of the Museo del Ejército (Army Museum), but also houses the Regional Library which holds important collections and archives. The library has all the latest technology and provides computer terminals for Internet access for library users.
This old church, known as the "Inquisitor's Church" or the San Vicente church, has been transformed into an exhibition space. The building dates back to Arabic times and contemporary exhibitions by Spanish artists are shown in what was the original cistern. The artistic styles that are represented here are many and varied. In addition, the space is also used for poetry recitals, local author's book readings and all types of other cultural activities. At night this space turns into a nightclub, with dancing until the sun rises.
The museum displays a collection of paintings by El Greco, Goya, Ribera, Lucas Jordán, Carducho and other artists from Toledo along with valuable objects like ivory crucifix, Belgian wall-hangings, antique furniture, gold and silverwork. The archaeological exhibits include the skull of a mammoth and artifacts from the Roman, Visigoth, Arabic and mudéjar periods. There's an Industrial Arts section where you can see examples of popular culture and local crafts. The most striking features of this plateresque building are its entrance, the elegant courtyard, the grand staircase and the mudéjar and Renaissance style ceilings. You'll find it by Plaza de Zocodover.Admission is free. It is closed on New Year's Day, April first, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Mirador del Valle is a strategic point to view the beautiful Toledo. Located on the outskirts, the height makes beautiful buildings of the city visible from the valley: lovely churches and houses, and the unmistakable Alcazar, with the River Tagus at the periphery. The view is even more mesmerising at dusk, when the city is lit up, looking gorgeous in the dark. There are many joints in the vicinity to grab a bite-Parador de Toledo is a striking Spanish restaurant, its hotel being a classy replica of the age-old local architecture. Mirador del Valle is a must-visit if in or around Toledo.
Destino Toledo are an expert tour company, taking you through Toledo's most exquisite of places: churches, synagogues, museums, gardens and squares. The tours are guided, and details about places are explained thoroughly. You could put your photography skills to work, while walking around, or just bask in the lovely stories and facts, and witness Baroque architecture at its finest. There are also night tours that they host, and witnessing Toledo all lit up is mesmerizing.
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.
This square was occupied by nobles in the Middle Ages, though in the 19th century it was used as both a riding school and even a bullring. It has three 14th century entrances corresponding to three different palaces. One of the most impressive belongs to King Peter the Cruel's palace, in Mudejar style. The second is the entrance to the palace of Suero Tellez de Meneses, governor of Toledo, who had it built in the first half of the 14th century, though it was never finished and is now walled up. At present this palace houses the offices of the Seminario Menor de Santo Tomas de Villanueva seminary, with the entrance in the Plaza de San Andres. The third is another noteworthy example of Mudejar style and it leads to the Convento de Convento de Santa Isabel.
Is located in an old convent, in the historical center of the city. Is the seat of Historical Interpretation Center and the Municipal archives.
Rutas De Toledo is a tour group that takes you through so many mysterious aspects of Toledo's history: all the labyrinthine architecture of the churches, mosques, synagogues and museums, the life back then, and the culture. Walking down the narrow and windy streets of the City with Rutas is insight into what made Toledo the heritage site that it is today. Rutas De Toledo gives you an up close and personal with the city, and a memorable one.
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.