Things to Do in Toledo

One of the most atmospheric and storied districts in Toledo, the Jewish Quarter (Judería) was home to Spain’s most prominent Jewish community in the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, the neighborhood—comprised of walled, labyrinthine alleyways—is the site of synagogues, museums, and plenty of historical charm.

Built in 1180 by Moorish stonemasons, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue remains one of Toledo’s most celebrated examples of Mudéjar architecture. The Synagogue testifies to an era of multi-faith history on the Iberian Peninsula, when Muslims, Jews, and Christians all lived and worshipped side-by-side.

Your first proper stop in Toledo may very well be the city’s main plaza, Zocodover Square (Plaza de Zocodover), as it receives visitors not far from the northern entrance to the city. The plaza has served as Toledo’s main square for pretty much all of the city’s history, and has been the site of bullfights, executions, and an important market for which the plaza was named.

Indeed, the word Zocodover has Arabic origins, meaning mercado de las bestias de carga, or, loosely, livestock market. That’s because, during those times, the plaza was home to a regular market that sold animals such as horses and donkeys. These days, apart from being one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, the plaza also hosts concerts and events, thus continuing to be the center of local life.

Toledo’s relatively humble Church of Santo Tomé (Iglesia de Santo Tomé) happens to be home to one of the world’s most famous paintings: The Burial of Count Orgaz, by El Greco. The star piece was commissioned for the church’s chapel, where the count is buried, and features the burial along with St. Augustine and St. Stephen. El Greco in fact appears in his creation as well, even though the event took place over a century prior to the painting.

The church dates back to the 12th century (when it was built atop a previous mosque) but was later reconstructed in the 14th century with the funds of the aforementioned Count Orgaz, who was a generous benefactor. The building’s tower is distinguished as being one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture in Toledo — take note of its typically Moorish horseshoe-shaped bell tower windows. Though Santo Tomé itself may not be among Toledo’s most impressive sights, it’s the famous painting and history behind it that continue to lure the masses to the church’s doors.

One of Toledo’s most popular landmarks, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is an ornate church and cloisters commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand in 1476. It has a distinctive architectural style, and spans two levels and gardens. The monastery is an excellent example of medieval Hispanic-Flemish Gothic style.

Situated at the highest point in Toledo, the Toledo Alcázar (Alcázar de Toledo is a monumental fortress. Since its ancient origins, the Alcázar has served as a royal residence with periods of renovation, most recently after a siege in the Spanish Civil War. Today, the fortress is home to an army museum, infantry academy, and library.

Former Spanish capital Toledo was famously once home to three diverse and thriving cultures: Catholics, Muslims and Jews. And there’s no better place to discover the rich history of the latter than by visiting the city’s El Tránsito Synagogue (Sinagoga del Tránsito). It was constructed in the 14th century, and is now home to the Sephardic Museum (Museo Sefardí) featuring Jewish art, objects and history.

The synagogue was founded and financed by Sameul ha-Leví, after whom it was originally named. Following the expulsion of the Jews, however, it eventually served other purposes, such as a military barracks, and as an church called Nuestra Señora del Tránsito, hence the synagogue’s current name. What you’ll find here today is a splendid, albeit small example of Mudéjar-style architecture, and, beyond that, an educational and meaningful link to the city’s Jewish past.

As is the case with so many of Toledo’s sights, the Mosque of Christ of the Light (Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz) is a blend of cultural influences, telling the story of the city through its architecture. The mosque, considered the most important piece of Islamic art in Toledo, was built in 999 and, come the 12th century, was turned into a Catholic church.

What makes it particularly special is the fact that it is the only remaining mosque of ten that once existed in the city, and that it very much remains in its original state. Though the space is small, its grounds — from the small square interior with Moorish horseshoe arches, to the outside gardens with views of the city — transport visitors back some thousand years in time, making this a pretty special stop.

There’s a memorable scene in the 17th-century Spanish novelDon Quixote: the title character attacks a row of windmills, mistaking them for giants. See the place that inspired the scene when you visit the Consuegra Windmills, an important part of Spain’s agrarian past set against a medieval castle backdrop.

Located in the Toledo province, Consuegra Castle is one of Spain’s best-preserved castles. Despite being passed between Moorish and Christian rule throughout the years, little to no Moorish influence exists in the modern structure; however, you can still explore the medieval castle, enjoy views over the surrounds, and climb the windmills featured inDon Quixote.