"Toledo" Top 5 Page for this destination Toledo by alucas

Toledo Travel Guide: 663 reviews and 1,744 photos

View of Toledo from across the river - Toledo

We spent three days in Toledo in September 2004 as part of our circular tour via Jerez, Cordoba, Merida and back to Jerez. ANother day would have been nice - it was so hot that we took it at a very leisurely pace and missed quite a bit.

The plains in Spain - near Banos

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Leaving Andalusia behind us, we set off from Cordoba and drove north east towards the Sierra Morena. We travelled through the pass known as "Desfiladero de Despenaperros" into central Spain. (See my Jaen page for the story behind this name )

In September, the "plains of Spain" lie parched and brown by the Spanish summer sun, but still possess a simple drama of their own. Huge brilliant blue skies fall to the ground, thousands of olive trees run to the horizon, interspersed by the occasional white washed villa. We passed Valdepenas, which is well known for red wine, and sped along fast roads towards Toledo and the centre of Spain.

San Juan de los Reyes

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Toledo is a handsome, slightly sombre city, the old quarter standing proud upon a hill. The most prominent building is a towering much re-constructed Alcazar or palace. However Toledo is predominantly a Christian city with a vast cathedral and other churches presiding over a network of Arab alleyways. The streets are narrow and twisting and it is all too easy to get lost, but Toledo is a small city and exploring the streets and finding your way is all part of the experience - you will never be far away from a landmark.

Toledo was briefly the capital of Spain in 1560 and was the original planned last resting place of Spain's most famous Christian monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella in the beautiful church of San Juan de los Reyes - but that is another tale.

Last visit to Toledo: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Nov 22, 2005
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Reviews (18)

Wandering the streets Off The Beaten Path (3)

I spotted this doorway in one of the narrow streets - don't ask me where, I know it was somewhere just north of the... more travel advice

Not advised if you're flying ! Shopping (1)

We saw quite a few shops like this one in Toledo. They specialise in knives, swords and even pieces of armour, as well... more travel advice

Find a view of the city Things to Do (11)

The best views of Toledo are to be had from the other side of the Rio Tago. But to see them you will need transport, as... more travel advice

Iglesia de los Jesuitas - 2 Things to Do (11)

The interior of the Jesuit church is worth the entry fee of 1.50 euros to see. The picture doen't really do it justice... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Comfort in the city centre

Restaurants (2)
See All La Abadia

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (18)

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hotsauce28 Nov 27, 2007 at 11:32 AM

LOL! the first thing he asked me was "does this mean there will always be food in my fridge?" I guess I'll be the butcher, the baker but I ain't making no damn candles.
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grets Jul 8, 2007 at 8:02 AM

Naughty boy - sneaking pictures inside where it's not allowed and 'stealing' photos from the internet. Tut tut tut. ;-) Great page!
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toonsarah Feb 24, 2007 at 8:40 AM

Another excellent page - capturing some lovely Spanish sunshine to cheer a dull London February day!
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nhcram Jan 24, 2007 at 5:41 AM

Although I have seen these pages before, I can now agree with it all. It is a fabulous place. I must go back as I never had enough time there.
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HORSCHECK Nov 21, 2006 at 12:08 PM

Andrew, fabulous page with brilliant photos of Toledo. I really should visit more of Spain in the future.
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Nemorino Nov 19, 2006 at 10:47 AM

Once I actually did get thoroughly lost in the twists and turns of those narrow streets, but it was great because it was Christmas Eve and groups of costumed musicians were strolling around and singing. (Thanks for your birthday wishes, by the way.)
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Florida999 Aug 11, 2006 at 5:28 AM

Nice page! I am not that much interested in old buildings, but I might enjoy looking at a few of those :) Lol! A sword is probably what I would want to buy there...
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evona Jul 31, 2006 at 11:27 AM

Toledo is beautiful. Nice page. I will go there again in some days :)
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Jim_Eliason Jan 7, 2006 at 3:30 PM

Great tips! I loved this city!
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Purpleshade Nov 22, 2005 at 9:16 PM

I'm looking too, beautiful architechture. I wonder if you'd be allowed to bring a sword on a plane? Lesley