Daytrip from Madrid: Medieval City of Toledo

It’s been known as the jewel of Central Spain, as well as the medieval center of the country. Poised on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding valley, the city of Toledo is blessed with both history and natural beauty. As one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Toledo is definitely a quintessential stop during any visit to Spain. What’s best is that it is located just 70km from the Spanish capital of Madrid, an easy 25-minute train ride away.

Toledo was proudly declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO thanks to its unworldly beauty and rich heritage. It has kept the same city layout since the Middle Ages, with cobble stoned paths snaking through baroque style buildings and churches, while the city’s castle stands atop a labyrinth of interweaving river and valley. Today, it is still a monumental city that plays host to numerous impressive edifices and landscapes.

Although Toledo is packed with attractive sites and buildings to admire, you can usually see them all in a weekend or a day, making it an ideal day trip or weekend escape from Madrid. The city is relatively small but its attractions are all condensed into one small historical quarter. These are some recommended sights in Toledo:

Plaza de Zocodover

The main square of the city is surrounded by the city’s most important buildings. The Plaza de Zocodover (map), albeit small, is shaded by a row of orange trees and lined with charming outdoor cafes and pizzerias. Some of the city’s best tapas bars are located around the square. From here, the city’s attractive sites are all within a short walking distance. Upon arrival, this is an excellent spot to get yourself oriented and find your way around.

The Cathedral of Toledo

With a striking and majestic facade, the Cathedral is one of the most prestigious and important in Spain. Once inside the Cathedral, you’ll find yourself engulfed by a sacred ambiance. Take time and wander around here as there is plenty to see, especially for architecture buffs. Don’t miss out on the Mozarabic Chapel, the impressive ceiling paintings and the imposing golden monstrance that is the single most valuable treasure of the cathedral. Get your tickets at the ticket booth on Calle Cardenal Cisneros.

Address: Cardenal Cisneros 1, Toledo (map)

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:30am – 6pm; Sunday 2pm – 6:30pm

Entrance fee: €7 (includes treasury), free on Sunday afternoons.

Alcázar Fortress

Standing imposingly on the highest point of Toledo, overlooking the city, the Alcázar fortress is a massive square edifice that overlooks Franco’s old military barracks. Previously functioning as a Roman palace, the fortress was then converted and used during the Spanish civil war. Today, it houses the Castilla- La Mancha Regional Library and the Museum of Army. Climb up to one of its watchtowers and catch an amazing panorama of the city from above.

Address: Cuesta de Carlos V, Toledo (map)

Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am – 1:30pm and 4pm – 5:30pm (summer until 6:30pm), Sunday 10am -1:30pm and 4pm – 5:30pm (summer until 6:30pm)

Entrance fee: €1.90

The Santa Maria Synagogue

Built in 1203, the synagogue showcases Jewish and Arabic presence in Toledo centuries ago. With gorgeous all-white interior, rows of horseshow arches reminiscent of Arabic mosques and intricate carvings, the synagogue manifests its charm through its architectural style.

Address: Calle Reyes Católicos 2, Toledo (map)

Opening hours: (Apr-Sept) Daily 10am – 2pm and 3:30pm – 7pm; (Oct-Mar) daily 10am – 2pm and 3:30pm – 6pm

Entrance fee: €2

Viewing Point Across Tagus River

I highly recommend catching a tourist train or your own rented car if possible around the Tagus River and surrounding valley. From afar, Toledo looks even more charming, straight out of a fairy tale. There are various viewing points that offer marvellous panoramas. Stop for a drink by these outdoor cafes along the valley.

How to Get There:

From Madrid, you can easily reach Toledo by train or bus. Trains leave Atocha train station hourly and takes only 25minutes to gethere. Buses depart from Estacion Sur (map) in Mendez Alvaro, taking 1hour 15minutes to get there. From the Toledo bus/train station, you can catch bus numbers 5, 6 or 22 to get to the historic centre’s main square, Plaza Zocodover. Alternatively, it’s a 20-minute uphill walk.

Photo credits: Flickr creative commons by Francisco Javier Martin (Panorama), marcp_dmoz(Cathedral)