TOLEDO

On the top of a hill over the Tagus River, Toledo is a huge open air museum.

KNOW TOLEDO

The Romans founded Toletum because of its high strategic value, over a high hill at the right side of the Tagus River. During the Visigothic and Muslim periods it was the main cultural and study centre of central Spain and, even for a brief period, it was the seat of the court, in the 16^th century. The religious capital of Spain for centuries, Toledo is a magnificent medieval city with a huge city centre that preserves the legacy of three cultures, spread through churches, mosques and synagogues. The city is an essential stop to whoever is in the centre of the country, because it's only an hour away from Madrid.

WHAT TO DO?

The best thing you can do in Toledo is walk around the streets and get lost in the many medieval style alleys, wandering around the slopes with no direction. Enjoy the archaic atmosphere of the paved streets, the large wooden doors, the churches and the historical buildings that show up every step you take.

Another main attraction here is to follow the mark of El Greco, who lived in Toledo during most of his life and left masterpieces in the city, like The Burial of the Count of Orgaz orThe Disrobing of Christ.

This last one you can find in the sacristy of the Saint Mary Cathedral, an enormous Gothic temple with 5 naves that was the prime cathedral in Spain for centuries and the most important religious site of the country. The sober Alcázar (fortress) is another dominating structure in the city, atop the hill where Toledo is situated.

Toledo is famous for its steel: you can find plenty of shops to buy a souvenir medieval sword, if it fits into your luggage.

Before leaving the city, you should go to one of the several viewpoints located out of the city. Here you can enjoy an outstanding sunset, with the sun melting into evening over the stone of Toledo, the hill and the Tagus River; Mirador del Valle is the most famous.