Top Things to do in Toledo
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Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Toledo, Castile-La Mancha
Synagogues, mosques and churches stand together in Toledo's historic quarter, a testament to the medieval Spanish city's diverse history. The four towers of The Alcazar, a fortress built in 1085, dominate the skyline. Toledo and its surrounding countryside inspired El Greco, and his paintings are on display in many places around the city, including the museum that bears his name.
Restaurants in Toledo
1. Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,386 reviews
Reviewed By FJGonzalezG - Bethesda, United States
Toledo’s San Juan de los Reyes monastery is beautiful and rich in history. Built in the Isabelline style (a transition between late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, with decorative influences of Castilian, Flemish, and Mudéjar styles), the church has a long nave with side chapels. The interior is decorated with the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs. The beautiful cloister has a lovely garden. Make sure you walk around the small square on the northern side of the monastery to get a good view of the manacles and shackles hanging from the granite walls, as ordered by Queen Isabella in 1494, which had been worn by Christian prisoners held by the Moors in Granada. The monastery is said to have been founded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the late 15th century to commemorate the birth of their son and their victory at the Battle of Toro. Construction began in 1477 and was completed in 1504. At first, the Catholic Monarchs intended to house their mausoleum at the monastery, but later chose Granada as their resting place, after its reconquest in 1492.
2. Convento de San Antonio de Padua
3. Convento de Santa Ursula
4. El Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,918 reviews
Reviewed By RicardoBowie - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The museum is a small local museum (in today's world). It was of course a fully functional synagogue of the old world. The old as Arabesque/Moorish influence is still there and the sacred geometry that is ever present in religious buildings. Toledo is a treasure trove of ancient gems and the old synagogue is one of many in the town. Well worth a look at the rich history of Toledos Jewish past that encapsulated all the Abrahamic faiths.
5. Synagogue of Saint Mary the White
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,879 reviews
Reviewed By elads - Tel Aviv, Israel
Special place with a unique atmosphere. Take the time to look at the interior and the exterior. Also to the back side fro the art exhibition with the cute nun at the entrance.
6. Iglesia de Santo Tome
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,152 reviews
Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States
Perhaps the most breathtaking moment for me during my exploration of Toledo, Spain was when I entered the St. Tome Church and initially saw El Greco’s masterpiece, El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz, also known as The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The church itself, which dates back to the 12th Century is relatively small when compared to the numerous cathedrals I visited during my journey through Spain. This is not surprising after I learned that the church was built on the site of an old mosque. In fact, the gorgeous squared tower was the old minaret that was converted to a bell tower. However, the main draw for the church today is to view The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. No photographs are allowed inside of the church. The standing only viewing area was packed during my visit and I imagine this is the usual crowd size. However, the room has great views from every vantage point and the visitors seem to flow in and out smoothly. The painting itself is huge and the very vivid colors portray a death on the earthly plane and an image of heaven above. There is much to see in this painting, but not enough time in the St. Tome Church.
7. Convento de Santa Isabel de los Reyes
8. Convento de las Agustinas Calzadas
9. Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos
10. Convento de Santa Clara la Real
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