Exploring Toledo on foot
Santa Maria la Blanca SynagogueSanta Maria la Blanca Synagogue
When arriving in Toledo, you will be immediately greeted by its history: the Puente de San Martín, a bridge dating from the 13th century which displays a Mozarabic style, has seen various reforms over the centuries, and in each one of these, you can see the legacy of the era. Besides the gorgeous view over the Tagus, you can´t miss the panoramas from the various viewpoints (miradores) situated along the river. One that is especially beautiful is the Mirador del Valle. However, from the Mirador del Palacio de Fuensalida you can see the ancient, lively Jewish quarter.
Along the river, far from the Puente de San Martín, you’ll find the Roman Alcántara Bridge, which was the essential point of entry for all pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Situated at the highest part of Toledo, the Alcázar is within walking distance. This palace-fortress whose origins date back to the 3rd century is home to the Military Museum.
Other museums worth a visit, not just for their collections but for the buildings themselves, are the Greco, the Santa Cruz (which was declared a building of national heritage) and the Sephardic Museum in La Judería (the Jewish Quarter). It’s worth wandering through this district for the cultural sights, including the Casa del Judío and the two synagogues, or a simple stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets.
The city gates “Puertas” are another remnant of the various cultures one can see in the architecture of Toledo. The Puerta Antigua de Bisagra is the one that has best preserved its Muslim roots, and it was the primary access to the city from the 10th century onwards until the construction of Puerta Nueva de Bisagra. The Puerta de Valmardón has had various uses since its construction in the 9th century, having served as a prison, a hospital, and currently as a private residence. And a few steps away we have the Puerta del Sol, the gateway to the Medina from the 13th century.
Toledo is like a living museum, with history in each one of its cobblestones. Losing yourself in the Jewish quarter, in the ancient medina or in the cobbled streets that lead to the Alcázar is an attraction in itself.