What to see in Toledo

Toledo is small but extremely rich: a busy day covers the main monuments, but two days let you enjoy it at leisure. Here is a walking itinerary. For the history see our Toledo guide.

Morning: from the gate to the cathedral

1. The Puerta de Bisagra, the monumental gate with Charles V's arms, and the Mudéjar Puerta del Sol.
2. The Cristo de la Luz mosque, a little gem built in 999 with nine different domes.
3. Plaza de Zocodover, the main square, a former Arab market.
4. The cathedral: allow at least an hour and a half for the choir, main chapel, Transparente, chapter house, sacristy with paintings by El Greco and Goya, and the treasury with Enrique de Arfe's monstrance.

Afternoon: the Jewish quarter

1. The church of Santo Tomé, with The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.
2. The El Greco Museum, in the area where the painter lived.
3. The Tránsito synagogue and Sephardic Museum, with a cedar ceiling and Hebrew inscriptions.
4. The Santa María la Blanca synagogue, with white piers and horseshoe arches.
5. The monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, with its Gothic cloister and the chains of Christian prisoners freed in Granada hanging on its outer walls.
6. The San Martín bridge over the Tagus.

At sunset

Cross the river or take the tourist train or a bus to the Mirador del Valle, on the ring road, for the view of the city lit by the setting sun. Alternatively, the Toledo Parador offers the same view from a terrace.

If you have a second day

• The Alcázar and Army Museum, with the story of the 1936 siege.
• The Santa Cruz Museum, in a Renaissance hospital, with works by El Greco.
• The Jesuit church (San Ildefonso), whose towers overlook the whole city.
• The Monastery of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, where El Greco is buried.
• The cobertizos, covered lanes, and guided tours of the city's underground.
• The Roman and medieval Alcántara bridge and a walk along the Tagus.

Tips

• The pulsera turística, a wristband, gives entry to several monuments with one ticket.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the streets are steep and cobbled. The Recaredo escalators help with the climb.
• Many monuments close on Mondays or Sunday afternoons: check opening times.
• Try mazapán in the historic pastry shops and from the nuns of San Clemente. See also festivals in Toledo.

What to see on the map

Nearby