Toledo spain attractions on the map. Sights of Toledo, the first capital of Spain. Toledo on the map in Russian
The city, which is small in population (about 80 thousand inhabitants), is one of the main tourist centers and attracts many tourists. The historic city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city Toledo(Spain).
The sights of this place, created during the period of the greatest power of Spain, amaze with the richness of history and culture.
Toledo on the map in Russian
Religious buildings
Toledo's main religious buildings date back to the time when the city was the capital of Spain and are masterpieces of Gothic architecture.
Museums
Toledo is real city of artists, among whom the main role was played by the great El Greco, who lived and died in the former capital. Therefore, the main museums of Toledo are dedicated to the works of the master and other Spanish painters.
Nature
The nature of central Spain is relatively harsh, so there are no striking natural attractions in the city itself. Stands out Gardens de la Vega park, created in the 19th century and is a shady urban park where you can always take a break from the sweltering heat that is typical for central Spain in the summer.
What else to see?
Toledo is a city, first of all, breathing history, so any excursion routes around the city or surrounding area are, in one way or another, connected with the history of the city, province or all of Spain.
What is worth visiting on your own in 1 day?
It may take more than one day to explore the main attractions of Toledo, since, despite their compact location, a large number of objects and considerable queues will delay even the most impatient tourist. Mandatory items The route when traveling to Toledo will include the Alcazar, the Castle of San Servando, the Cathedral and the El Greco Museum.
On a day trip outside of Toledo, you should definitely visit Campo de Criptana, located in the vicinity of Toledo. In the vicinity of this city there is the largest complex of windmills in Spain, which are a symbol of the province of La Mancha. The complex consists of 10 mills, which house museums and tourist centers. Who knows, maybe Don Quixote fought with one of these mills during his wanderings in Castile?
What to do with children?
Toledo is a historical city, so there are no special amusement parks or entertainment places for tourists; for the most part, the city is intended for trained adult tourists. But a historical and architectural walk around the city can also be turned into interesting story, which will appeal to little tourists too.
Tell the children about the brilliant Spanish knights, the main one of which was Don Quixote, about the life of kings and princes, about the struggle between the Moors and participants in the Reconquista, show ancient castles, fortresses and temples.
The romantic appearance of the city and its exciting history should impress even children.
If your child is tired of visiting numerous masterpieces of Spanish architecture, then you can always take him on a tourist wheeled train "Zocotren", which departs hourly on the route from Sokodover Square.
Look video about the fascinating city of Toledo:
Toledo (Toledo) is the capital of the autonomy of Castile-La Mancha and the first capital of Spain, which is only 50 minutes from Madrid. The entire city is an architectural monument and was included in the UNESCO list in 1987.
The winding streets of the city preserve the memory of different cultures: ancient Roman, Visigothic, Arab, Christian and Jewish. Each of them left a significant mark on the history and architecture of Toledo.
You can see all the beauty of the city of Toledo and its surroundings in the video:
Toledo has retained its medieval charm, captivating tourists at first sight. This is an atmospheric place for strolling along cobbled streets, where dozens of architectural monuments are hidden, and also the best place for a photo shoot in Spain. Toledo captivated the famous artist El Greco, who left his canvases in almost all the churches and museums of the city. In local gun shops you can buy the best blades in the world (you cannot export them abroad) or tiny souvenir skewers.
How to get to Toledo
Photo: Detailed map of ToledoPeople most often travel to Toledo from Madrid - the distance between them is only 71 km. Buses run constantly from Estacion Sur station to Toledo - the journey takes about 1 hour, the cost of a round-trip ticket is about 12 €.
Trains run hourly from the Puerta de Atocha railway station to Toledo - the journey takes 33 minutes, the average cost of a one-way ticket is about 21 €.
When to go
Toledo's climate requires coordination with the weather forecast, as it can be extremely hot or, conversely, cold. Summer is not the best time to visit - all the locals “escape” the 40°C heat in the Mediterranean or in the northern regions of Spain.
The most comfortable months in terms of temperature and lack of precipitation: June, end of August, September. April, May, October are also quite suitable for a visit.
Story
Interesting historical facts about Toledo:
There is no exact information about when Toledo was founded, but the first information about it dates back to the 2nd century AD, when the city of Toletum was conquered by the Roman commander Marcus Fulvius. The historian Titus Livius writes the commander’s saying: “Toledo is a small city, but it is conveniently located for defense.” Toletum was under the rule of the Romans for 6 centuries, the memory of which is preserved by the ruins of the aqueduct and the arena.
Then the ancient German tribe of the Visigoths came here - from 418 to 711, Toledo was the Visigothic capital and archiepiscopal center (still relevant to this day). In 712, the Arabs captured Toledo, renaming it "Talaitola".
In 1085 Toledo was liberated from Moorish occupation by King Alfonso VI of Castile. At this time, the city had already become famous for its swords made of Toledo steel. Toledo served as the capital and royal residence until Philip "relocated" the capital to Madrid.
Attractions
Fortress walls and gates of Toledo
Photo: Alcantara Gate Toledo is a fortress city, about which an ancient Roman commander spoke like this:"Toledo is a small city, but conveniently located for defense."Today, fragments of the fortress walls and 8 gates are perfectly preserved:
- It is better to start the inspection from the Alcantara entrance bridge1st century AD The first bridge over the Tagus River at the base of the Castle of San Servando, both ends of which are bordered by gates in the Baroque and Gothic style;
- Nearby is the Alcantara Gate (Puerta de Alcantara)10th century with double entrance for additional security;
- The Puerta de Doce Cantos gate is located south along Cuesta los Cantos Doce;
- To reach the Alarcones Gate (Puerta de Alarcones) you should go to Carretas Street;
- Nearby they show offThe Puerta del Sol Gate flaunts ( lane " Gate of the Sun") and Porta de Valmardon.Next we go to the New and Old Gates of Bisagra next to La Vega Park(Jardines de la Vega) with magnificent wisterias;
- New Gate of Bisagra ) - most famousand a spectacular gate with a sculpture of the Habsburg coat of arms above the entrance, a Guardian angel on the triangular pediment, a statue of Charles V, bronze map of Toledo, bench with lions in the courtyard;
- The Old Gate of Bisagra (Puerta Vieja de Bisagra) stands next to the New Gate;
- To the Porte del Cambronin Renaissance styleyou need to go to Recaredo Alley. Above the portal there is a statue of Leocardia and a coat of armsPhilip II, who moved the capital to Madrid.
Photo: New Gate of Bisagra Having examined the ancient fortifications, we will take a look at other attractions of Toledo. Walking along the ancient streets, you can stumble upon the original Toledo “patios”– lovely courtyards with a fountain and sculpture that are not on tourist maps.
- The main city building is the Town Hall and Town Hall Square ( Plaza de Ayuntamiento ) located in the center of the city. It is worth a visit, if only because only from here you can appreciate the grandiose Cathedral standing nearby.
Photo: Town Hall and Town Hall Square - Catedral Primada) 13-15 centuries - an impressive Gothic structure, the height of the bell tower reaches 90 m. Echoes of the Mudejar and Renaissance styles are visible in the details, and inside there are paintings by the geniuses El Greco, Titian and Goya. The cathedral is one of the three largest in the kingdom.
Photo: St. Mary's Cathedral - Alcazar ) 15-16 centuries - an externally austere building with a luxurious courtyard with a 2-story colonnade, which now houses the Library of Castile-La Mancha. The hilltop fortress was besieged many times and was rebuilt many times. This is the highest point of the city with the most picturesque panoramas.
Photo: Alcazar Fortress - Plaza de Zocodover– a popular place with a dark past next to the Alcazar Castle. During Arab rule, the square was a livestock market, and in the Middle Ages, enemies of the Inquisition were executed here, and in the 15th century it became the site of celebrations, bullfights and knightly tournaments. Why go here:
- This is where the tourist retro locomotive starts Zocotren;
- A maximum of souvenir shops and stores selling products made from Toledo steel are concentrated here.
Photo: Sokodover Square - Museo de Santa Cruz ) 15-16 centuries - a magnificent example of elegant Spanish Plateresco with a grandiose exhibition: 20 works by El Greco, remains of sarcophagi, church accessories and weapons.
Photo: Santa Cruz Hospital Museum 6. The 13th-century Church of Santiago del Arrabal is a masterpiece of Mudejar art, where theologian Vincente Ferrer, known for his sophisticated ascetic practices, preached.
Photo: Church of Santiago del Arrabal - Between Plaza Socodover and the Santa Cruz Museum, on Calle Miguel de Cervantes, the monument to Miguel Cervantes stands proudly. Usually it comes as a pleasant surprise to tourists walking from the Alcantara Bridge to Socodover.
Photo: monument to Miguel Cervantes - Tavera Hospital Museum (Hospital de Tavera) 16th century - an austere building founded in honor of John the Baptist by cardinal and inquisitor Juan Pardo de Tavera. On its basis, a Museum was created with private collections of the Lerma and Medinaceli families. It is located a little apart from other attractions, but the road there passes through the New Gate of Bisagra and the pleasant La Vega Park.
Photo: Tavera Hospital Museum - The (former) Cristo de la Luz Mosque, late 10th century, is a most valuable object of Arab architecture that has preserved its original appearance. Nearby you can visit the monastery of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Photo: Mosque (former) Cristo de la Luz - The Monastery of Santo Domingo el Antiguo is the oldest Cistercian monastery with works by El Greco (biblical scenes at the altar).
Photo: Monastery of Santo Domingo el Antiguo - The 13th century Church of San Roman (Iglesia de San Roman) is originally a Roman, then Visigothic, Muslim and eventually Christian temple (12th century), which now serves as the Museum of Visigothic Culture. Those who are not deceived by the external simplicity find themselves in a spectacular place with Mudejar and Romanesque paintings, Roman columns, a stunning Plateresque dome and an unparalleled collection of Visigothic treasures.
Photo: Church of San Roman - Not far from the Museum of Visigothic Culture is a place not for the faint of heart - the Museum of the Inquisition, which has about 40 exhibits.
Photo: Museum of the Inquisition - The 18th century Church of San Ildefonso is a baroque church that was originally intended for the Jesuit order, which was later abolished. The high black dome and luxurious snow-white interior design are noteworthy.
Photo: Church of San Ildefonso - The Monastery of St. John (Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes) of the 15th century is a stunning Gothic complex that is a functioning Franciscan monastery. Most of the complex is accessible to tourists (for 2.5 €): a neat garden, a grandiose temple and galleries with filigree wood ceilings in the Mudejar style.
Photo: Monastery of St. John - (Synagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca) 12th century builtMoorish builders for the Jews, later became a church (early 1st century), and then a museum, notable for its 32 pillars with 8 sides, an arcade and a skillfully carved vault.
Photo: Former synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca - The 14th-century Synagogue del Transito, a simple building on the outside and rich on the inside, with exquisite Moorish decoration, is located in Juderia, the ancient Jewish quarter. The former synagogue, which has been a temple, a hospital and even a barracks, now serves as the Sephardi Museum.
Photo: Synagogue del Transito - The Church of the Holy Form or San Tome (Iglesia de Santo Tome) of the 16th century is a three-nave church with the most outstanding painting by El Greco, “The Burial of Count Orsaga” and paintings by Tristan.
Photo: Church of the Holy Form or Sao Tome - Casa de El Greco) is a charming house-museum of an outstanding painter with his work, as well as the works of his students.
Photo: El Greco Museum - 14th century - one of the first strategic sites of Toledo on a hilltop, which has served all eras as a fortification (Romans and Moors), a church (Visigoths), a monastery, a school and, finally, a hostel for students. Be on the other side of the Tagus River, crossing the Alcantara Bridge
Photo: Castle of San Servando Attractions in the surrounding area
Toledo is the capital of Castile-La Mancha - the seat of Don Quixote of La Mancha. In the vicinity of the city there are places of "cunning hidalgo", for example, the miniature town of Canzuegra with its romantic mills and castle. You can get there by car or by bus (50 min. journey, 10 € in both directions).
You can also see the sights of the city by watching this video:
Also visit the Cabañeros National Park, a savanna reserve in the Toledo Mountains with rare fauna, prehistoric fossils and cabañas shepherd's houses.
In the vicinity of Toledo there are magnificent castles: the Moorish Almonacid de Toledo20 km and Templar Montalban30 km (both 12th century).
Photo: Mirador del Valle viewpoint If you don’t have much time, then it’s worth knowing the places for the most spectacular panoramas of the city for photo shoots
- The Mirador del Valle observation deck on the outer bank of the Tagus River offers the most magnificent views of the city. Toledo is especially beautiful in the evening illumination. It is more convenient to get there by car, since it is located outside the city;
2. Alcazar Castle, which is located at the highest point of the city;
3. Alcantara Bridge - beautiful view of the city and Alcazar Castle.
Idea! Take a ride on the tourist retro steam locomotive Zocotren, which departs from Place Socodover. For 5 € you will be taken on a ride to the most remarkable places, and in addition you can listen to an audio guide in Russian.
What to buy in Toledo:
1. Souvenirs made of Toledo steel: blades, sabers, swords, knives, scissors, etc. (from 10 €);
2. Marzipan according to monastic recipes - by weight or in gift wrapping (6-7 € per 100 g, 2-3 € per piece);
3. It is better to buy locally produced olive oil in a supermarket (6-8 € per 0.5 l).
Things to do in Toledo
Photo: Windmill in Consuegra 10 things to do in Toledo:
- First of all, see one of the three most luxurious cathedrals in Spain - Toledo Cathedral;
- Take a sightseeing tour of the city on the Zocotren train;
- Walk along the fortress walls and examine the gates of Toledo;
- Get to Toledo's Eden - La Vega Park, where incomparable wisteria bloom in the summer;
- Take part in a tour of the Toledo steel factoryMariano Zamorano Swords and buy a blade or knife in the gift shop;
- Visit all the places with paintings by El Greco: the Cathedral, the Santa Cruz Museum, the Church of St. Thomas and the House Museum of the artist;
- Take a stunning panoramic photo on the mountain near the Alcazar Castle;
- Visit Consuegra - the town of Don Quixote;
- Experience unknown sensations in the Museum of the Inquisition;
- Visit all of Toledo's Jewish sites - synagogues, Jewish quarter and Sephardi Museum.
What to eat
Photo: Baked partridge Toledo's cuisine is represented by dishes from the Castilla-La Mancha region, the main one being partridge meat, grilled, baked in the oven or in pots. The partridge is served with white wine and garlic sauce (€ per dish and side dish).
For tasty food, choose streets Alfonso Gel Sabio, Los Los Alfileritos and La Sileria. Experienced tourists do not recommend visiting restaurants on Sokodover Square - they are expensive and rather mediocre. The average bill for lunch/dinner with a glass of wine for two is 35-40 €.
For dessert, try Toledo marzepan made from almonds according to ancient monastic recipes. Coffee with marzipan will cost 6-7 €. The best marzipans are sold in the monastery of St. Thomas.
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In what country is the city of Toledo located?
Toledo is located in the USA. This is a wonderful, beautiful city, with its own history and traditions. Toledo coordinates: north latitude and east longitude (show on large map).
Virtual walk
An interactive map of Toledo with attractions and other tourist attractions is an indispensable assistant in independent travel. For example, in the “Map” mode, the icon of which is in the upper left corner, you can see a city plan, as well as a detailed map of roads with route numbers. You can also see the city's railway stations and airports marked on the map. Nearby you see the “Satellite” button. By turning on satellite mode, you will examine the terrain, and by enlarging the image, you will be able to study the city in great detail (thanks to satellite maps from Google Maps).
Move the “little man” from the lower right corner of the map to any street in the city, and you can take a virtual walk around Toledo. Adjust the direction of movement using the arrows that appear in the center of the screen. By turning the mouse wheel, you can zoom in or out of the image.