Historic city of Toledo
Registered in: 1986
World Heritage Type: Cultural Heritage
Registration criteria:
•It is a masterpiece that represents the creative genius of humanity.
• It represents a significant exchange of human values in the development of architecture, technology, monuments, town planning and landscape architecture over a given period or in a given cultural area of the world.
- It bears unique or rare evidence of a cultural tradition or a civilisation, still living or which has disappeared.
- It is an outstanding example of an architectural style or of an architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates an important stage in human history.
Access: Approximately 85.1 km from Madrid-Barajas Airport, approximately 1 hour by car
Toledo, a popular tourist destination in Spain. What is the history of this city where various cultures are layered?
Located in central Spain, Toledo spreads out on a small hill surrounded by the Tagus River on three sides. This city, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1986 as "Historic Toledo," is a beautiful tourist destination that symbolizes Spain. Its charm lies in its historical landscape, which is packed with the diverse culture unique to Spain.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Toledo was known as "Toletum" during the Roman Empire. Renowned as a natural fortress city due to its topography, the city became the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom in the 6th century, and came under the control of the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate from the 8th to 11th centuries. Furthermore, during the subsequent Reconquista (reconquest movement), Toledo developed as a center of various powers over the years. Due to its historical background, the city is known for having fostered a unique culture in which Christian, Islamic, and Jewish cultures coexist.
The beautiful historical buildings scattered throughout the city embody the diverse cultures that live in Toledo. For example, the Toledo Cathedral, known as the headquarters of Spanish Catholicism, is said to be the greatest masterpiece of Spanish Gothic style, but some parts of it incorporate Mudejar style influenced by Islamic culture. There is also the 16th century San Juan de los Reyes Church, an Isabelline-style building that combines Gothic and Mudejar styles. The arches and decorative tiles with geometric patterns that exude the stylized beauty of Islamic culture speak of the craftsmanship that has been passed down in this area even after the Reconquista. In addition, Toledo has a variety of attractions, such as the 14th century Mudejar-style synagogue (Jewish hall) known as the Tránsito Church (currently the Sephardic Museum), and the Alcázar (currently the Military Museum), built on the site of a palace during the Roman Empire. Walking through the old town, which is like a labyrinth with its slopes and narrow alleys, you will surely feel the charm of this World Heritage Site, where "the entire city is a museum."
Toledo, beloved by the great El Greco. We recommend taking a stroll around the city to see El Greco's works.
The ancient city of Toledo is a place where the diversity of Spanish culture is concentrated. The best way to enjoy this city is to stroll around the old town, decorated with beautiful historical buildings. However, Toledo has many more fascinating travel destinations. For example, a trip to the places associated with El Greco, a painter who loved Toledo, is one recommended option.
El Greco, born in Crete, Greece in 1541, is a painter who was captivated by the beauty of Toledo and is known for having lived most of his life there. Along with Velázquez and Goya, El Greco is known as one of the "Three Great Masters of Spain," and one of his masterpieces, "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz," can be viewed at the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo. In addition, El Greco's masterpiece, "The Abduction," painted between 1577 and 1579, is on display in the sacristy of Toledo Cathedral. Another must-see spot is the Casa El Greco, a museum renovated from the house where Greco is said to have lived.
The facility features recreations of Greco's studio, study, and bedroom.
If you want to get a panoramic view of the old town of Toledo, beloved by El Greco, we recommend staying at the Parador de Tordos, located on a hilltop above the city. Paradors are Spanish state-run accommodations that use historical buildings such as old castles and monasteries as hotels, and the Toledo Parador is attractive for its location overlooking the World Heritage cityscape. You can enjoy an especially romantic view at dusk, when the sky turns crimson red. Walk through the labyrinth city that still retains the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, follow in the footsteps of the master El Greco, and look out over the magnificent view of the World Heritage site from the hilltop... Enjoy your trip to experience the historical atmosphere of Toledo to your heart's content.
Spain's World Heritage Sites: Must-sees along with the ancient city of Toledo
The starting point of a trip to the "ancient city of Toledo" is the capital, Madrid. Madrid has long been the cultural and political center of Spain, and there are many fascinating World Heritage sites dotted around the city that can be visited on a day trip.
For example, Aranjuez, located about 50 km south of Madrid, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2001 as the "Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez." In this city, you can visit the palace of the Spanish royal family, which began construction in the 16th century and was completed in the 18th century, and beautiful gardens. In addition, in the city of Segovia, located about 87 km northwest of Madrid, the "Old Town of Segovia and the Roman Aqueduct" was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1985. Sights such as the ancient Roman aqueduct, which is about 728 meters long, and the Gothic-style "Segovia Cathedral" are scattered throughout the city. In addition, the ancient city of Cuenca, located about 160 km east of Madrid, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1996 as the "Historic Walled City of Cuenca." The sight of the historic cathedrals, monasteries, and the famous "hanging houses" lined up on the steep cliffs is overwhelming. The landscape woven by nature and historical architecture is truly beautiful and worthy of being a World Heritage Site.
Starting from Madrid, you can visit not only the "ancient city of Toledo" but also fascinating cultural heritage sites such as the "cultural landscape of Aranjuez", "Old Town of Segovia and the Roman Aqueduct", and "Historic Walled City of Cuenca". If you are a fan of World Heritage sites, this is the luxurious trip you want to make your dream come true.
Travel writer/Toru Yoshihara
To get to Toledo from Madrid, your base of operations, you can usually take a bus or train. Buses take about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the service. If you use the national railway's high-speed train, you can get there in just 30 minutes. It's a distance that you can easily make a day trip from there, but if you want to enjoy the charms of the "ancient city of Toledo," we recommend staying overnight and taking your time walking around the city!
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*Some content was updated on October 21, 2019.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
