Toledo in 01 day

Toledo is known as the “city of the 03 cultures” because it has sheltered, at the same time, Christians, Jews and Muslims for centuries. The artistic and cultural diversity shown in churches, palaces, synagogues, mosques and fortresses is huge. That’s why Toledo was declared an Unesco World Heritage site in 1986.

You can visit the best attraction of Toledo in 01 day. That’s what we did.

The historic centre of Toledo is in a rocky mountain top circled by River Tajo. It is located in the heart of Spain, just 43min from the capital, Madrid.This proximity is very helpful for visitors.

Facade detail of Toledo Cathedral – Toledo in 01 day

Even nowadays, Toledo preserves the image of Medieval city protected by walls and towers. You can only access the city crossing one of its gates. 

We had researched a lot about Toledo and had chosen to visit the city when we were leaving madrid and going to Valencia.

FROM MADRID TO VISIT TOLEDO IN 01 DAY

Atocha train terminal in Madrid – Toledo in 01 day

You don’t need a car to visit Madrid. Your feet are enough to go to the attractions. However, we were going to travel the south of Spain and that’s why we rented a car. You can use our RentalCars link to rent yours! It’s very easy. We had picked up our car at Atocha Terminal. From there we went to Toledo. No stress at all. We took around 01h.

1) PARADOR NACIONAL DE TOLEDO – TOLEDO IN 01 DAY

Toledo seen from the Parador Nacional – Toledo in 01 day

The rain didn’t help. We have driven around Carretera de Circunvalación and had stopped at the Parador Nacional. Nowadays it’s a hotel, but you can visit the terrace from where you have the famous post card view of Toledo.

You can use the restrooms there too. 

2)FREE PUBLIC PARKING – TOLEDO IN 01 DAY

Don’t even try to park in the Historical Center of Toledo. It’s impossible. Leave your car in one of the public parking lots outside the walls. They are free. We left our car next to Alcantara Gate. There was an old man asking for money at the entrance. We gave him $2 euros. Cheap…

3)USE THE ESCALATORS!

Yes! That’s it! For your comfort, there are escalators linking the lower part of the city, extramural, with the higher part, the Historic Center. Getting out the parking lot, ask for directions and take the escalators. You will arrive at Plaza Zocodover in a few minutes, without getting tired. That’s a very good idea, because you are about to know Toledo in 01 day!

4)PLAZA ZOCODOVER – TOLEDO IN 01 DAY

Zocodovar Square- Toledo in 01 day

Plaza Zocodovar is the most important square in the Historic Center of Toledo. Sincerely, there is nothing special about it. The best thing is the Tourist Office, where you can take a free map, in case you don’t have one already.

5)MONASTERIO DE SAN JUAN DE LOS REYES – TOLEDO IN 01 DAY

Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes – Toledo in 01 day

We were in a hurry and with an elderly woman, my mother. We decided to take a taxi. It cost only $7 euros. Almost the same as the total for 4 people to take a bus. The big difference is that the bus schedule is every 30 min and it takes more than 30 min to arrive at the same place. The cab was a very good choice!

Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes – Toledo in 01 day

Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes – Toledo in 01 day

The Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes is small, but gorgeous. At first, it was projected to be the mausoleum of Queen Isabel, the Catholic, but this never happened. The plan had changed and she was buried in Granada. The general admission costs in 2017 is $2,80 euros. It’s worth it. You can and should visit the chapel, with spectaculars bas-reliefs, the cloister on the ground floor and the upper floor too. It’s really difficult to describe, but the sculptures, the shape of the windows, the ceiling, everything is well done and beautiful.

Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes – Toledo in 01 day

6) SANTA MARIA LA BLANCA SYNAGOGUE

Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue – Toledo in 01 day

Built in the XIII century, the synagogue keep the Mudejar  style of Toledo. Originally, it was a synagogue, but later, was transformed in a church. Few years ago King Juan Carlos apologised  and gave it back to the Jews. The synagogue is beautiful, with amazing architectural and ornamental details. It’s really worth visiting  it.

7) TOLEDO CATHEDRAL – TOLEDO IN 01 DAY

Toledo Cathedral – Toledo in 01 day

We just saw the exterior. We didn’t pay $8 euros per person to go inside. The facade is gorgeous, with a lot of details, above the main and lateral doors.

Toledo Cathedral is located in a very beautiful square, next to the Archbishop’s Palace, the City Hall ( Ayuntamiento) and an work of art of very doubtful taste on the ground. Be careful not to step over it and fall or get wet! 

The place to buy the tickets and the entrance of the cathedral is in the lateral street.

IS TOLEDO WORTH VISITING?

It depends. Comparing the cities near Madrid, we prefered to go to the Monasterio El Escorial. We found it very interesting and beautiful. If we had to choose one of these 02 options, we wouldn’t go to Toledo. However, it’s even difficult to choose now that we had already visited both… 

On the other hand, between Toledo in 01 day or Avila, we think Toledo has much more attractions.

Toledo streets – Toledo in 01 day

You should try  JUDIAS DO BARCO DE ÁVILA . The recipe will be in our site soon. We first tried in Avila. It’s really delicious. True Spanish flavor.

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