Fondly called as “Mini Jerusalem”, Toledo is a unique city. Due to its fascinating confluence of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, the city also earned a nickname. “The City of Three Cultures”. And being in Madrid, we did not wish to miss out on the opportunity of being there. Therefore we were on our way. To experience Toledo, Spain in 6 hours on a day trip.
A walk before we took a guided tour
While passing ‘Plaza de España’
Our first 3 days in Madrid had been so very enjoyable, starting with an evening exploring Gran Via. All through it had been sunny and so was the morning today. But as we walked, the clouds suddenly started gathering. However we were not worried as the weather quickly changes too. And it did, as we reached the bus parking station of VPT Tours at Ferraz Street, which was just a 10 minute walk from our hotel at Gran Via.
A marathon in progress as we waited for our bus
The Journey
The distance between Madrid and Toledo is just 72 kms. You can either take a bus, the train, rent a car or go in for a conducted tour as we had done. We were in Toledo in about an hour.
River Tajo
River Tajo is 1007 km long of which 716 km is in Spain, 47 km along the two countries’ border and 275 km in Portugal and empties itself in Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. It however starts as a stream in Spain and it becomes a very wide river as seen in Lisbon. Moreover it’s called Tajo in Spanish, Teju in Portuguese & Tagus in English. And the views of the river were truly amazing because of the threatening clouds in the sky.
River Tajo
View of Toledo from ‘Mirador del Valle’
Mirador del Valle is a point for some great views of the old city of Toledo. Our bus stopped here for 15 minutes so that we could capture these moments. Some of them here for you.
‘We’ during a selfie
Before we moved closer to ‘Alcazar’
We are in Toledo
Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage. Also, it boasts 2,000 years of history, and is filled with small hidden squares, winding side streets and historic buildings and monuments at every turn.
Toledo truly is a journey back in time and a feast for all five senses where centuries-old buildings line streets that the ancient Romans once walked on. And also the story of Muslims, Jews and Christians lives on around every corner. It’s time to experience it all now. We took a few escalators one after the other to reach Old Town. All the while enjoying some great views of the city.
Toledo Old Town Walking Tour
Old Town Landmarks
Iglesia de El Salvador
The Iglesia de El Salvador is a church which was completed in 1159. Although the church is small, it is an exceptional building. Moreover it’s a 12th-century church built on an 11th-century Taifa mosque.
Toledo Cathedral
The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo or Toledo Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church. It is the seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Toledo and also one of the three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain. Moreover it is considered to be the magnum opus of the Gothic style in Spain.
Plaza de Zocodover
The Plaza de Zocodover is a square of the city of Toledo. It was the nerve center of the city during most of its history. Furthermore it acted as the main square in times of the reign of Philip II.
Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca
The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca is a museum and former synagogue in Toledo and is considered the oldest synagogue building in Europe still standing. It was constructed under Christian rule by Muslim architects for use by the Jewish community and therefore is the perfect example to demonstrate Toledo’s three cultures converging together.
Alcázar of Toledo
The Alcázar of Toledo is a stone fortification located in the highest part of Toledo, Spain. Most of the city was rebuilt between 1939 and 1957 after the siege of the Alcázar during the Spanish Civil War.
San Martin Bridge
The Puente de San Martín is a medieval bridge across the river Tagus. And it features five arches, with the largest in the middle having a span of 40 meters. Moreover only very few bridges in the world were that long at the time of its construction.
An extreme of the Puente de San Martín
And some great views near San Martin bridge
Lunch time
Our walking tour having ended, we had two hours of free time before our return journey to Madrid. So we walked back towards the cathedral to have our lunch in a restaurant we had spotted in the morning. Although me and my wife rarely eat out when in our home town to control our calories, we indulge a lot when we travel. Because we walk a lot too.
After having a lot of non vegetarian food in the last 3 days in Madrid, we decided on this Vegan & Vegetarian restaurant for a change. Restaurante Madre Tierra located next to the cathedral.
Nice ambiance
A Salad
Vegetable tempura and Chardonnay
A Dessert for her
And organic tea for me
Marzipan from Toledo
Before moving on, we decided to pick up some Marzipan from Toledo’s most historical shop ‘Obrador Santo Tome‘ located at Plaza de Zocodover, 7. Because they are the best in town.
Few other landmarks
Because we still had an hour with us, it was time to walk again and explore a few more must visit destinations. Therefore come let’s check them out. Moreover they are all short walks starting from the Cathedral.
El Tránsito Synagogue & Museum
The Synagogue of El Tránsito is a historic Synagogue, Church and Jewish Cultural Heritage museum. The synagogue was converted into a church after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is an Isabelline style Franciscan monastery built by the Catholic Monarchs (1477–1504).
The Monastery
Inside the Monastery
The Church
Puerta de Bisagra
The Puerta de Bisagra is the city gate of Toledo. The structure was constructed in the 10th century. Moreover the gate was the main entrance to the city and dates from the Moorish period.
Since we did not have much time left to walk back to our bus parking, we decided to take a cab for the 3 kms distance. And it cost us 6 €. We were soon on our way to Madrid.
Toledo Antiques & Local Craft
Toledo is a center for arts and crafts. You’ll find many antique and craft shops as you stroll around the town. You can shop for ceramics, amazing range of jewelry, medicine boxes, swords, knives and plates created by Damascus artisans, religious and medieval artifacts and more. Our bus stopped for half an hour at this shop a little away from Toledo City. We picked up a few mementos.
Back to our accommodation we rested for a while, enjoyed the view from our room and then set out again. For another evening on Gran Via.
Toledo, the imperial city. When in Madrid you must take a day out to experience the fascinating culture and history of this medieval Spanish city.
Wow, I had no idea that Toledo was so close to Madrid! Makes for an easy and educational day trip. I love the concept of Puerta de Bisagra too – a true entrance into the city. I can only imagine the visitors this city had historically.
Yes Chloe it is very close to Madrid. By train it just takes half an hour.
Toledo has such a fascinating culture and history. It’s amazing to see the influence of 3 cultures Christianity, Judaism and Islam on the architecture. I’d love to visit the Alcázar de Toledo, San Martin bridge and see the Puerta de Bisagra gate. The old town looks lovely from your pictures too!
Yes Ha Toledo was such a fascinating experience.
We have visited a lot of Spain but missed Toledo. It is fascinating how Spain cities seem to retain that mix of religious influences. Great to start your visit with a view from above. It often helps me to plan our visit. As a UNESCO city, I might be overwhelmed with the thought of what to see on a day visit. We might have to stay much longer. But you did get a great overview of different facets of this city. Looks like a new city in Spain to put on our travel plans.
Yes Linda we did miss out on a few places. Therefore staying back for a night would be ideal. And you can get to experience the night life as well.
I love Toledo! It was a great experience walking through those cobblestone sloping streets giving the legs the best workout and experiencing the Toledo history through its Cathedral, old bridges and monasteries. I loved their local Spanish delicacies and tapas.:-)
Yes Jan it was a wonderful experience for us too.
The history of the Synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca is interesting. If only the three religions can live in harmony. I found it interesting too about rebuilding the city between 1936-1957. I wonder how many percent of each building has its original shape.
Yes religious harmony is so good to see anywhere around the world. After all we are all human first and that’s what matters the most.
Wow that is so cool, a river that is 1000 kilometres long. I had never heard of Toledo till date, but it looks beautiful and I would love to go there someday. I have never been to Spain but I have had it in my list. I am planning to visit that country and stay there for a few weeks, would add Toledo to my itinerary.
Yes Raksha you must visit Toledo too without fail when in Madrid.
I love Toledo, mainly because it’s so easy to reach from Madrid. You managed to see in a lot in a few hours. The synagogue and cathedral are both magnificent.
Yes we found Toledo a very cute city with some fascinating history.
I am due for a visit in Madrid since my good friend moved over there, so maybe this is something I could do. It seems like a great day trip idea. I love all the old building in Toledo and the city gate looks amazing. Thanks for all the recommendations what to see and where to eat. We do the same by the way, we don’t hold back on food at our travels because we end up walking so much.
Good to know Paula that we think alike as far as food is concerned during our travel.
This is nice! I have never been to Toledo but have read about it’s rich history and I am fascinated with the old infrastructure. Happy to know that has been preserved a UNESCO World Heritage Site and would love to visit someday. Thank you for sharing with us your wonderful trip.
My pleasure Clarice. Happy you liked.