VISIT TOLEDIA

A must-see symbol near Madrid
Just 70 km from Madrid, Toledo is one of Spain's most emblematic cities. Nicknamed the "city of three cultures", it bears witness to the centuries-old cohabitation of Christians, Jews and Muslims. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, its medieval alleyways, churches, synagogues, mosques and imposing Gothic cathedral are awe-inspiring.

Why visit?
Toledo is an open-air museum. Every street corner reveals a piece of its rich, cosmopolitan past. The city is also famous for having been home to the painter El Greco, whose works can be seen in several museums and churches. Its architectural and cultural mix makes for an unforgettable visit.

A brief history and anecdotes
Capital of the Visigoth kingdom and later a major centre of Al-Andalus, Toledo became a meeting place for Jewish, Christian and Muslim scholars in the Middle Ages. Anecdote: its medieval forge workshops were renowned throughout Europe for their swords and armour. Even today, the town's shops perpetuate this tradition of craftsmanship.

What can you do there?
- Visit Santa Maria Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture
- Explore Toledo's Alcázar, a former fortress and military museum
- Visit the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and del Tránsito
- Stroll through the medieval streets and along the banks of the Tagus River
- Admire the works of El Greco, particularly at the El Greco Museum

Where is it?
📍 Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
👉 See on Google Maps

Practical advice
- Accessible by high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid (30 minutes)
- The town is hilly: bring good walking shoes
- Best time: in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat
- Take an outdoor viewpoint (Mirador del Valle) to admire the city at sunset

To discover around
- Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
- Mosque of Christ of Light
- Alcántara Bridge
- Santa Cruz Museum

Audioguide
🎧 Listen to our immersive description of Toledo on History Guide City Madrid !
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