Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo
The main cathedral of Toledo, Cathedral Primada, is one of the most majestic structures in the medieval town centre. The cathedral of Toledo is one of the three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain and is considered, in the opinion of some authorities, to be the magnum opus of the Gothic style in Spain. The Medieval Gothic style architecture is very unique and ranks among the top 10 cathedrals in Spain. Inside the cathedral, the details are impressive. In the sanctuary, one encounters the double ambulatory, which is doubled as would correspond to a ground plan of five naves. This double ambulatory is of grand proportions and is enriched with architectural elements and an original vaulting.
Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes
It´s impossible to overlook Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes in the heart of Toledo´s Jewish Quarter. The late-Gothic style monastery was built in the 15th century. The structure is beautifully decorated both on the inside and out. This monastery was founded by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to commemorate both the birth of their son, Prince John, and their victory at the Battle of Toro (1476) over the army of Afonso V of Portugal. The monastery is an example of the Isabelline style. Its church is in the form of a Latin cross, with short arms, an elongated nave (approximately 50 metres in length, and 30 metres high), and side chapels situated between the domed arches – three chapels on either side of the nave, and two more under the choir.
El Greco Museum
The El Greco Museum is dedicated to late renaissance art painted by the famous El Greco. He was originally Greek, but lived most of his life in Toledo. The museum opened in the Jewish Quarter in 1911 and consists of two building: a 16th-century house with a courtyard, and an extension dating from the early 20th century. The museum houses numerous works by El Greco, especially from this brilliant painter’s last period, as well as canvases by other 17th century Spanish painters, furniture from the same era and pottery from Talavera de la Reina.
Church of Santo Tomé (Toledo)
The Iglesia de Santo Tomé is a church located in the historical center of the city. It appears quoted in the 12th century, as constructed on the site of an old mosque of the 11th century. The tower is one of the best examples of the Mudéjar art characteristic of Toledo. The two upper sections are made of brick, with two groups of two and three windows with pointed horseshoe arches scalloped with other lobed arches. The interior houses one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, “The Burial of Count Orgaz”, which is exhibited in a special room.
Plaza Zocodover
It is a large open plaza that connects many of the main sites in Toledo. It has a long history of being a connection point for the city, and is a natural meeting place for tourists today. A part of it was designed by Juan de Herrera during the reign of Philip II. Here the most important market of the city took place. It has been devastated as a weekly market for centuries. Today it occurs on Tuesdays in the vicinity of Paseo de Merchán or de la Vega. The square is beautiful at night when the surrounding buildings are all lit up.
Tagus River
It is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, and although it winds through parts of Spain and Portugal, Toledo is the largest Spanish city on its banks. It is also one of the main cultural hubs of Spain, largely due to the confluence of Muslim, Jewish and Christian groups that once resided there in relative tranquility, earning it, in 1986, the designation of “World Heritage Site” by the United Nations commission on history and culture (UNESCO). The city depends on the Tagus River for its water and power and as a recreational source, not to mention the added beauty and allure it adds to the city in general. While much has been written about Toledo’s historical structures and cultural landmarks (and for good reason), you may be surprised to learn that the city is also quite striking from a natural standpoint, allowing tourists to take a much-needed break from the busy streets of the city’s historical district and relax quietly in its beautiful, albeit lesser-talked-about countryside.
El Alcazar – Military Museum
One of the highest points in Toledo is El Alcazar. Today there is a Military Museum exhibiting the history of the Spanish army. The building itself, especially the main patio and stairs, are very impressive. It´s worth visiting just for the stunning city views from the top balcony. The history of the museum began in 1803 when the royal military museum was established in a building in Madrid known as the Palacio de Monteleón. The building also served as a barracks for artillery units and it was attacked and looted by the French when they suppressed the Dos de Mayo Uprising of 1808. The museum was reestablished, but in 1827 it was divided into two sections: the Museo de Artillería and the Museo de Ingenieros. Later the collections were unified and housed in the Hall of Realms.
Where you should go.
- Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo
- Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 1, 45002 Toledo
- Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes
- C. de los Reyes Católicos, 17, 45002 Toledo
- https://goo.gl/maps/gGGt8AvWxVb4mfG6A
- El Greco Museum
- P.º del Tránsito, s/n, 45002 Toledo
- https://goo.gl/maps/27s4sc3iviijex489
- Church of Santo Tomé (Toledo)
- Pl. del Conde, 4, 45002 Toledo
- https://goo.gl/maps/FB53Eo4vUHeVEKrN7
- Plaza Zocodover
- El Alcazar – Military Museum
- C. de la Paz, s/n, 45001 Toledo
- https://goo.gl/maps/kRKccbSBSRULsf5D6
