We have it complicated with today’s article, and surely there will be disparity of opinions. We are going to try to list the twelve monuments that you should not miss if you arrive in Toledo for tourism. And as we always recommend, that it is not just one day. Updated.
1. Toledo Cathedral.
Panoramic view of the interior of Toledo Cathedral by Toledospain
There is a reason why she is “the Primate” of Spain… Also the number one in this list. The innumerable treasures it houses are magnificently surrounded by a marvellous and unique construction. The Gothic cathedral of Toledo began to be built in 1226, on the remains of previous temples that very probably are conserved in the subsoil of the present one. Visit is free on Sunday afternoons, presenting DNI for Toledanos and residents in the diocese of Toledo. 2,50 euros on Sundays from 14 hours for Spaniards. The rest, 10 euros, 12.50 euros visit with climb to the tower (the ticket is purchased in front of the Puerta Llana)
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- A curiosity: One of the only one-handed clocks in the world is in Toledo Cathedral, above the “Feria” door (also known as “del Reloj” )
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- A secret: you can climb the tower and watch the “big bell”, paying 12.50 euros in total and booking in advance at the ticket office of the Cathedral. While you wait, you can’t miss the Custody in its treasure.
- Address: C/. Cardenal Cisneros, sn
- Official website: http://www.catedralprimada.es/
2. The Alcazar. Museum of the Army.
Roofs of the Alcázar de Toledo by Toledospain
Not many years ago, the new Army Museum was inaugurated in the Alcázar de Toledo. It was moved from its original location in Madrid, and is being a great success of visits. If you come to Toledo, you should spend a good while touring its halls. They store a large part of the military history (land army) of Spain. On Sundays there is usually free access, the rest, paying entrance fee (5 euros) Mondays are closed, also if it is a holiday.
- A curiosity: some of its rooms preserve remains of the siege that the Alcazar suffered during the Civil War. During its history, the building has suffered fires, destructions, the most recent during the conflict that confronted us in 1936, in which it was almost totally destroyed. It was rebuilt during the 1960s.
- A secret: don’t forget to walk through the cellars, access the huge patio or climb the Library of Castilla-La Mancha, the views are spectacular and access is free.
- Address: C/. Alféreces Provisionales, sn.
- Official website: http://www.museo.ejercito.es/visitas/prepara_visita/
Museum of El Greco.
Cave of the Greco Museum in Toledo..
The Cretan painter who arrived successfully in Toledo, where he created wonderful works that we can enjoy today in some of the most famous monuments of Toledo and in this museum. It is the only one in Spain entirely dedicated to the figure of the painter. Inside is part of the work of El Greco, which highlights a magnificent “apostolate”, the “View and map of Toledo” and “Tears of St. Peter. The museum is completed with paintings by Luis Tristán, Murillo, Valdés Leal and other artists. Access costs 3 euros. Saturdays from 14 hours is free.
- A curiosity: this really wasn’t El Greco’s house. Some authors place the original house in the now landscaped Paseo del Tránsito, a few metres from the current museum. Part of the museum occupies the complex that formed the palace of the famous “necromancer” Enrique de Villena. There is a curious legend about this character that you can consult in these pages…
- A secret: don’t miss the basements. Some legends assign them an important role in the development of the so-called “Toledan Arts”…
- Address: Paseo del Tránsito, sn.
- Official website: http://museodelgreco.mcu.es/
4. Monastery and Church of San Juan de los Reyes.
Cloister of San Juan de los Reyes.
Isabel I “the Catholic” ordered this magnificent church to be built with the intention of converting it into a royal mausoleum, in commemoration of the Battle of Toro and the birth of Prince John. The building is an imposing representative of the so-called “Elizabethan Gothic”, including an excellent cloister that is part of the monastery. Don’t miss the gargoyles that surround the cloister and the decoration that sprinkles its galleries, with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs. Ticket price: 2,50 euros.
(Can be visited with the Toledo tourist bracelet)
- A curiosity: the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808 caused serious damage to the monastery during the occupation of the city. It was then abandoned for a time.
- A secret: tradition states that the chains hanging on the outer walls of the Church belonged to the Christians held captive by the Arabs in the territories reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs. Here they were brought and hung.
- Address: Calle Reyes Católicos, 17
- Official website: http://www.sanjuandelosreyes.org/
Sure you’re also interested: 21 monuments and must-see places to visit in Toledo (Updated)
5. Museum of Santa Cruz.
Cover of the Museum of Santa Cruz de Toledo
Initially conceived as a “Hospital”, the building that houses the “Museum of Santa Cruz” contains three sections: archaeology, fine arts and industrial arts. It also frequently hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. Ticket price: 4 euros. It is free on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. and Sundays.
