If you really want to experience the magic, visit Toledo, also known as The Imperial City at sunset.
Two medieval bridges cross the river and on the left rises the 16th century Alcazar whereas on the right the spires and towers of the cathedral are silhouetted against the sinking sun.
To complete the ´movie set ´both buildings and the narrow streets and houses below are illuminated.
Toledo is located approximately 70 kilometers south of Madrid and is a town with a long history.
It flourished during Roman times, followed by the Visigoths, the Caliphate of Cordoba and the conquest by Alfonso VI of Castile in 1065.
Each and every culture left its marks and well preserved buildings but the majority date from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The cathedral, built between 1226 and 1493 is a mixture of many styles.
Most prominently the seven story high baroque altar.
The Alcazar opposite was the seat of the royal court until it was moved frist to Valladolid and later to Madrid.
Tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims and Jews was a prominent feature of the culture here until the Jews were expelled from Spain. During the ´good times´ Toledo was also a center for learning and translations.
Toledo Old Town
Dive into history by walking the steep cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
In fact, many are so narrow that a car can hardly pass.
Discover the archways, churches, monasteries and medieval town houses.
Since 500 BC Toledo was famous for the production of the finest swords and weapons, a craft which extends to the present day, although today the products are less lethal.
Festivals in Toledo and nearby
Just 60 kilometers from Toledo, in Consuegra, is a special festival last week of October every year.
It’s the Rose of Saffron Festival, and can be worth a visit if you come here in late October.
In August they also have their Medieval Festival in Consuegra.
El Greco
Crete born painter, sculptor and architect Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco moved to Toledo in 1577.
He lived and worked in Toledo until his death on 7th April 1614.
Works of art from all over the world have come to Toledo on loan and are exhibited in the reconstruction of the master´s house and other museums.
Visit the website of El Greco Foundation – More than 350 images of paintings, slideshow, biography and more!
Places to stay in Toledo
Of course it must be a Hotel El Greco here, and it’s in a building from the 17th century, only some footsteps from the El Greco Museum.
Stay in a former palace
Many of the old buildings and palaces have been converted to hotels.
The former palace of the Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection Hotel offers style and comfort.
Tours and more things to see and do in Toledo
More from Spain
Walls, palaces and sweets in medieval Avila, Spain
A Cappella Festival in Girona , Spain, 8 – 18 May 2021
Rioja Wine Festival – Fiestas de San Mateo, 18 – 23 September 2020
The Medieval town Toledo in Spain
La Fira del Poblenou – Beer Festival Barcelona, 10 – 12 July 2020
Sonar Festival Barcelona, Spain. 17 – 19 June 2021
Tortosa Renaissance Festival, Tortosa, Spain 23 – 26 July 2020
Vijazz, Vilafranca del Penedes, Spain, 3 – 5 July 2020
Fiesta del Albariño Wine Festival, Cambados Spain 29 July-2 August 2020
Mad Cool Multi Genre Music Festival, Madrid
Translate (Google translated – English is the default language)
