Spain – Castilla-La Mancha – Toledo (En)
Toledo is an old city located on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, in the centre of Spain. We went to the parking (address: 4 Avenida de Carlos III, 45004 Toledo) without services but really big so no problem to park and it is only 10 minute’s walk from the mechanic stairs of Recaredo that leaves you in the old town. Thanks to the city for providing a place for us where we passed the night without problems. Just be careful when entering the parking as there are many holes.
Toledo is a mandatory stop for history buffs as Christians, Muslims and Jews coexisted peacefully for centuries, respecting their customs and privileges. Thanks to this great example of tolerance, Toledo is known as the City of Three Cultures, in addition to preserving a great legacy of buildings and the architectural elements characteristic of each religion. It was also the former home of the mannerism painter El Greco. The whole city is amazing and on every street, you come across something impressive.
On our way to the mechanic stairs, we saw the Town Hall and on the top we saw the Santa Leocadia Church, walking through the cobbled alleys we arrived at Juan de Padilla square and the Visigothic Culture Museum.
We continued walking around seeing the typical shops selling swords and knives, and we arrived at the Ildefonso Church Square from the 17th-18th centuries from there we went to see the Cathedral of Toledo, one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world. This Gotyc-style Cathedral built between 1226 and 1493, stands out for having an exterior with 3 facades: a richly decorated main one with a 92-meter-high tower, the Clock Gate, which is the oldest facade, and the Lions Gate, the last to be built.
Next, we visited the Zocodover square, the centre and main square for many centuries, it is one of the places with the most atmosphere to see in Toledo. This rectangular square, whose name comes from Arabic, is surrounded by buildings with Castillian architecture and has several entrances, among which the Arco de la Sangre stands out. It is also a good place to try the typical marzipan in one of the shops that surround it, buy a souvenir or have a drink on a terrace.
Following our tour, we arrived at the Alcázar, a medieval fortress located in the highest part of the city with impressive views. This huge rectangular building has its origins in Roman times, although it was not until 1525 that King Charles I brought his court to this city and rebuilt the building in the shape that can be seen today.
We decided to go to see the Jewish District next and on the way we saw the Santa Cruz Museum, the Salvador Church and the Church of Santo Tome where “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” is found, one of the great masterpieces of El Greco. In the Jewish District, you can find the Transit Synagogue from the 14th century which has a magnificent wooden coffered ceiling and the interesting Sephardic Museum. inside. In the square, in front of the Synagogue, we stopped to have a drink and wait for my friend Fina who was coming from Madrid with her partner Rafa and her daughter Vera.
Together we visited the Synagogue of Santa María La Blanca, this Mudejar religious building, built in 1180, was used for more than 200 years as a synagogue until it was converted into a church dedicated to the Virgin in 1411. Its sober exterior stands out, contrasting with a beautiful interior with white walls, octagonal pillars and horseshoe arches. And the church of San Juan de los Reyes.
We finished our visit to Toledo by crossing the Alcántara Bridge, this old Roman bridge has almost 200 meters long, it was built on the Tagus River between the years 103 and 104 and is a true wonder of Toledo. The bridge supported by 5 pillars, which reach a maximum height of 58 meters, has the most decorative element in its central arch dedicated to Emperor Trajan and the people of the area that helps in its construction. For me, the best thing about Toledo!
Tired and hungry we went to have something to eat and we shared ham croquettes, a Manchego cheese platter, rashers, a Serrano ham toast and broken eggs (this last one obviously I didn’t eat). And after that, we went to our motorhome so my friends can see it, which they liked a lot.
And the next stop will be Camping Madrid Rainbow and then Segovia. You can see this in the next post!
