As a small city, Toledo packs a massive punch in the history and culture of Spain. This former capital city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect day trip from Madrid. 

Toledo remains unique for how Jews, Christians and Muslims coexisted and embraced each other for hundreds of years. Today, you can still see Arab, Christian and Jewish monuments across the Old City. 

As you approach this world-renowned city in Castile-La Mancha, you’ll immediately notice The Alcazar, Castle of Servando and Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo. While the castle and cathedral are Christian landmarks, the Islamic influence is evident in the architecture and design of both buildings.

Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo

Stepping into the Cathedral is awe-inspiring. The 13th-century structure is massive and must’ve overwhelmed people when they walked into the Gothic church more than 800 years ago. 

Highlights inside the church include the 388-pound Monstrance of Arfe made of gilded silver, the retable panel behind the altar and the Cardinal’s Dressing Room, which is probably twice the size of my apartment in New York City. '

The Chapel of Saint Ildephonsus is a unique aspect of the Cathedral. Its Baroque style starkly contrasts the rest of the 800-year-old building. It also allows the sun to shine into part of the Cathedral and creates an extraordinary site inside the Tabernacle for a few minutes each day. 

The Proud Jewish Quarter

Hundreds of years ago, Toledo had a thriving Jewish population. At one point, there were eleven synagogues in the city. Today, only two of them are still standing in the city’s old Jewish Quarter. The uniquely named Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, which sounds like a church and looks more like a mosque because of the architect’s Moorish background, is believed to be the oldest synagogue in Europe. 

The Tránsito Synagogue was built in the 14th century, about 100 years before the Jews were expelled from Spain. It was then turned into a church. Despite being turned into a church, not much was changed inside. You can still see Hebrew inscriptions across the walls. It’s also one of only a handful of synagogues with an Arabic inscription, again showing how all three religions lived together.  Today, it’s been revived into the Sephardic Museum. 

Working with a luxury travel advisor gives you special access to authentic experiences and activities specific to your locale. Hidden under a house inside the Jewish Quarter is a 700-year-old home that Jewish families lived in before the Spanish Inquisition. You will have special access to it and experience how families lived in the 14th century. 

The Great El Greco

For art lovers, the highlight of Toledo may be El Greco’s masterpiece inside Santo Tome Church. Rebuffed by King Phillip II when he arrived in Madrid, El Greco moved to Toledo. The Burial of the Count of Orgaz depicts the scene at the Count’s funeral about 200 years earlier. 

While the funeral and the heavenly scene above will likely grab your attention, a hidden message inside the painting is why El Greco always considered it his masterpiece. 

Kneeling beside the Count of Orgaz is a young boy; it’s a portrait of El Greco’s son, Jorge. There’s a handkerchief hanging on the boy’s clothing with El Greco’s signature and the year 1578. It’s the year Jorge was born and eight years before the painting was produced. 

Don Quixote

Literature lovers will likely connect Toledo to one of the most famous and best novels ever, Don Quixote. Miguel de Cervantes's world-renowned story tells the tale of Alonso Quijano from La Mancha. 

One of the most well-known parts of the famous story is when Don Quixote encounters a group of traders from Toledo. After one of them challenges Quixote’s claim that Dulcinea del Toboso is the most beautiful woman in the world, he charges at them on his horse but it stumbles. He falls and is then beaten so severely that he remains on the side of a road until a passing peasant brings him home.  

A Terrific Time in Toledo

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for world travelers. Renowned for its art, cuisine and wine, it tops many people’s bucket list. When you travel across Spain with the help of a luxury travel advisor, you receive custom and expert service every step of the way. You have the freedom to travel in the style you prefer. Enjoy elegant amenities, personal service tailored to you, bespoke itineraries with unique experiences and pampering before, during and after your journey. 

When you’re ready to be inspired and experience luxury travel, email [email protected] or call 917-225-1360.