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Toledo is one of the oldest and most unique cities in Spain. The former Spanish capital before Madrid, this city has made an important contribution to Spain’s history and heritage. Here, you’ll find mosques opposite Catholic chapels, as well as some irresistibly Instagrammable synagogues. 

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Below, I show some of the cool things I love about Toledo, many of which relate to the city’s storied past and the well-preserved landmarks that it has left behind. From stunning sightseeing and rare festivals, to world-renowned swordsmiths and sweet delights that melt in your mouth, here are the reasons why you should visit Toledo at least once in your lifetime.

Toledo was the former Spanish capital

It’s accessible from the current capital: Madrid! Visiting Toledo, you’ll encounter the richness of Spain’s history and heritage up close. It was once the capital of Spain after all, up until 1560 when Philip II of Spain moved his court to Madrid that’s approximately an hour’s drive away. Toledo’s historical centre is a marvellous place to explore. It’s a grand and open showcase of impressive landmarks standing tall since Ancient Roman times. Several distinct cultures occupied it over the centuries. More on that, below…

A ‘city of 3 cultures’

A Judaic, Christian, and Islamic melting pot. Different cultures have occupied Toledo over the centuries including the Romans, the nomadic tribes of the Visigoths, and the Moors from North Africa. Evidence of these diverse inhabitants can be seen in the representations of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam throughout the city. Here, we can find their lasting architectural marks in the well-preserved synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals. While there are plenty of museums in Toledo, such as the Museum of Santa Cruz and Museo del Greco, the whole city is effectively one vast open-air museum. Striking monuments like the Alcázar, Synagogue of El Transito, and the Iglesia de Santo Tomé afford the sightseer some impressive views to enjoy.

Toledo Cathedral is one of Spain’s greatest

It’s a Gothic masterpiece, with a rich visual treasure! One of Toledo’s standout historical landmarks is The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo (or simply, Toledo Cathedral). This Visigothic marvel of a church stands tall with its bell tower overlooking Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where the Archbishop’s Palace also stands. The impressive Gothic exterior is worthy of admiration. Step inside, here you’ll find the Baroque altarpiece El Transparente. A massive skylight in the ceiling above lets shafts of daylight illuminate the tabernacle to mesmerising effect. Hundreds of stained glass windows also create a colourful light show in the interior. Location: Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 1, 45002 Toledo, Spain Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm Phone: +34 925 22 22 41

It is a city of superlatives

From the largest bell to the most confusing streets in Spain! Aside from being a magnificent Gothic monument and one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country, Toledo Cathedral houses an impressive treasure: the bell tower and the massive 18th-century bell itself. Weighing close to 20 tons, it’s the biggest bell in Spain. Getting a bell of this scale up into the belfry is an impressive feat of engineering in itself. Huge heavy ropes and a special road were needed just for the task. These days it’s a bit cracked, and it hasn’t been rung for ages. Another distinct feature of Toledo is that it has arguably the most confusing street layout in Spain – which is great if you’re adventurous.

A World Heritage Site, with good reason

The city brims with historical landmarks. Toledo’s cultural heritage and rich collection of historical monuments have secured its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the outset, as you arrive in the city through any of the gates of the ancient wall, you’re treated to the beautiful views of pretty plazas, eclectic landmarks, and cobblestoned streets. Toledo offers much to see with its impressive landmarks such as the Gothic Chapel of San Bartolomé and the grand Alcázar fortress, as well as ancient medieval stone bridges like the Puerta de Alfonso.

Great to visit year-round

Toledo is centrally positioned in a plateau on the Iberian Peninsula and it sits about 500 meters above sea level. It enjoys a continental climate which is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year. With the crazy network of old streets aside, the city is compact enough to be explored on foot. Strolling through the city is indeed one of the simplest but finest pleasures of the Toledo experience. Save for a few corners in the city where the gastrobars draw night owls, the city is mostly calm and subtly lit after sundown, with its magnificent landmarks and cathedrals spot-lit.

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Until next time, be jealous friends. Be jealous.

Udeety

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