It’s normal that you want to escape from Madrid from time to time. We know it’s not because you’re tired of the capital, but everybody needs a break from the big city. Some time ago, we talked about Segovia, and now we propose another quick, economical and very beautiful getaway: a trip to Toledo.
Toledo is the city of the three cultures, as Muslim, Jewish and Christian monuments are scattered throughout. At only 72 km away (or around an 1 hour trip), it’s the perfect city to visit a day when you want to leave Madrid. A charming city, with a lot of atmosphere, with a pleasant climate and with many plans to make and monuments to visit. Here, we tell you everything you need to know to spend a day in Toledo.
The origins of Toledo date back to the Bronze Age, being a binder city, until it was conquered by the Romans in 192 BC. Subsequently, it has been occupied by Visigoths, Muslims and Christians; until today, in which its old town has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Travel to Toledo
The best option to go to Toledo and, the most economical, is to use the Monthly Young Transportation Pass of the Community of Madrid (20 euros per month). You can travel using this card from the Intercambiador of Plaza Elíptica by a bus. Also, the Alsa transport company, which offers trips to Toledo for 10 euros (round trip). The trip takes a little more than half an hour and leaves you at the Toledo Bus Station, from which you can walk downtown.
Another option to get Toledo is by AVE. a high-speed train; but, the price is quite expensive and does not have much offer schedules. The train can be taken from Atocha Station.
Puerta de la Bisagra
The origins of this door aren’t really quite clear.There is a debate that defends that the door could be Arab o Mudejar, but it underwent a reconstruction in the 16th century. The door, used to enter the ancient city of Toledo – a very interesting monument to visit.
Mezquita Cristo de la Luz and Roman Road
The entrance costs three euros and we assure you that it is worth it. It’s one of the preserved mosques in the city and was built in the year 999, although the name comes from the Christian era. The Roman Road will transport you back to the Ancient Roman Empire, in which architecture and utility took a very important role in the society.
Plaza de Zocodover y Alcázar de Toledo
We then arrive at the most famous historical point of the city. First, Zocodover Square is the social centre of the city where markets would be held. Then, you can visit the Alcázar of Toledo, in the highest hill of the city. It was commanded to be built by Emperor Carlos V, who destroyed an old medieval castle, to make said personal residence.
Toledo’s Cathedral
Toledo’s Cathedral began to be built in 1227, on an old Visigothic church. It’s of Gothic style, with great French influence in its design and construction. In 1493 this magnificent arquitectural work was finished. You can visit the cathedral from 9am to 2pm from Monday to Friday. Weekends and holidays remain closed. The entrance costs 12,50 euros, including a visit to the museums.
Other monuments that you can visit are: The Alcántara Bridge, The Franciscan Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Jewish synagoghes of Toledo.
Tajo River Viewpoint
To enjoy the city of Toledo as a whole, you have to go to the Tajo River Viewpoint. You can see most of Toledo from here! – The Alcazar The Cathedral and the old city wall. Without a doubt, they’re the best views of the city! You can take pictures and enjoy at any time of the day and for free.
Eat in Toledo
Toledo is a gastronomic city.
The typical dishes are usually stews cooked with cooked or fried vegetables or potatoes. The most emblematic dishes of the city are: carcamusas (lean pork), cochifrito (very typical of Castilian cuisine, goat or lamb) and Toledo rice (casserole with chicken, squid, mushrooms and pork).
The restaurants where you can find these dishes are: Bar Restaurant Ludena, Aroozería Sal Gorda or Restaurant El Estribo.
Two very good options to enjoy the good weather in Toledo is to eat at Bar el Trébol, where you can enjoy small traditional dishes in Toledo.
We hope you enjoy this excurssion out of Madrid, If you want to know were to stay at the capital you can visit our website.
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