Toledo City
1 / 6
Toledo - by Ines Padron on Unsplash
Description
Toledo has a long history and deep cultural and architectural heritage. It already existed under the Roman empire but came to the fore as the capital of the Visigothic kingdom from 542 to 725AD followed by the construction of one of the largest and most powerful churches (the Toledo Cathedral) on the Iberian Peninsula. Under Charles V, it was of one of the regular residences of the court (between 1525 and 1561) before it settled in Madrid. The city highlights reflect its historical mix or cultures (Jewish, Muslim and Christian); the best-known sites include the Alcázar fortress, the Jewish Quarter, the Toledo Cathedral, the San Martin Bridge and various gates leading to the city, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, and the Zocodover square. The Mirador del Valle is also one of the best locations for a panoramic view of the city.
Access & Transport
The city is a quick 35' train ride from Madrid Atocha Station By car, it is 70mins from Madrid on the A-42 or AP-41/A-40, 45km southwest of Aranjuez on the N-400, 120km north of Real Ciudad on the N-401 and 255km northwest of Albacete on the CM-42/AP-36.
Instructions & Recommendations
For those tiring of monuments and museums, the Puy du Fou España historical theme park is located just outside the city.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral (no carbon footprint). Tourism helps preserve the city's cultural heritage and provides economic activity to the community.
Conclusion
Toledo is one of those storied and architecturally endowed European cities that attract tourists from all over the world. There is plenty to see and we would highly recommend including it in any regional itinerary starting or finishing in Madrid. Our advice is actually to try to spend at least one night there and take the time to enjoy the city in the evening when the tourists have left, visit some smaller monuments and maybe catch a sunset from one of the miradors with the whole of the city as background.
Key positive
Delightful old city center and many high-quality monuments
An easy day trip from Madrid but also good overnight accommodations
Key negative
None
Suitability
Most of the key attractions are fully or at least partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo