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 Toledo |
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Originally, Toledo was the capital of Spain around 1576 to 711 under the rule of the Visigoths and again when the Court of Spain was moved to Madrid in 1085 until 1561.
Toledo , a national monument, is a small city located on top of a Castilian hill where the Tagus River or the Rio Tajo could be overlooked.
Considered as Spain s religious center, Toledo has captured the era of Gothic, Arabic, Renaissance, Baroque architectural styles. The city has witnessed the transition from the time of the Moors, Jews and Christians.
Toledo , the pride of Europe tourism, is home to numerous artworks by famous artists such as Goya, Velasquez and El Greco.
TOLEDO FACTS
* Population = 45,000
* Location = 70 km south-west Madrid
* Journey Time = 1 hour 30 minutes (with light traffic)
TOLEDO ADVENTURE
Although the city is smaller than Madrid , Toledo also offers numerous interesting places. Since the city is the hometown of El Greco, you could see his countless artworks all throughout Toledo s churches and museums.
For detailed information about the city, you may contact the Puerta Nueva de Bisagra - the city s tourist office, via phone at 91 925 22 08 43. The office is open during weekdays from 9 am until 6pm and 9 am to 7 pm on weekends.
In your one-day journey, you may inquire about guided routes through Toledo or you could visit the city with your own itinerary.
The following list includes places and descriptions of the must see museums, churches, and religious buildings in Toledo .
Toledo Cathedral
This Gothic-styled tower is decorated with a spire circled by spikes. It could be seen in any part of the city.
In 1226, under Archbishop Jimenez de Rada s order, the construction of this beautifully grotesque church began. It was completed around 1493.
Inside the cathedral, breathtaking stained glasses will welcome your visit. You will also witness marvelous stone sculptures, delicate woodcarvings, a massive selection of famous paintings and elaborate wrought-iron artworks.
The highlight of the cathedral is the 400-pound silver and golden monstrance, which is normally used during the Corpus Christi Festival.
Although there is no admission fee for the church, entry to some closed areas are charged with a moderately priced fee.
The cathedral is open during Mondays to Saturdays from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm and 3:30 - 6:00 pm. During summers, the cathedral extends up to 9 pm.
La Sinagoga del Transito - Synagogue of the Dormition
Location : Calle de los Reyes Catolicos
During the time that the Synagogue of the Dormition was supposed to be built, constructions of religious building were banned all throughout Spain. However, in 1355, under the authorization of Pedro I, the synagogue s construction finally commenced.
The synagogue was intricately designed by Muslim craftsmen. The ceiling is the highlight of the synagogue. You will definitely get lost in the sight of the magnificent Cedar of Lebanon.
La Sinagoga del Transito is open during Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and again on 4 pm until 6 pm. It is closed on Sunday afternoons.
La Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca - St. Mary of the White Synagogue
Location : Calle de los Reyes Catolicos
During the 12 th century, this was considered as the main synagogue of the city. When it was converted into a church, St. Mary of the White Synagogue became its present name.
The structure of the building looks similar to a mosque since it was constructed by Muslim artisans.
The site used to be an army barracks and the convent of for the fallen women.
The synagogue is open daily from 10 am until 2 pm and again on 3:30 to 6 pm. During the summer season, it extends the visits until 7 pm.
Iglesia de San Juan de los Reyes - St. John of the Kings Church
Location: Madrid
This Franciscan place of worship was built in 1476, under the rule of Fernando & Isabel, to commemorate their victory at the Toro Battle against the Portuguese.
With a Gothic style design, the Iglesia de San Juan de los Reyes began its construction in 1477. However, it was only completed around 1606.
There is a moderately priced admission fee into the church. It is open daily from 10 am to 1:45 and again on 3:30 to 6 pm.
Iglesia de Santo Tome - St. Thomas Church
Location: Plaza del Conde
The St. Thomas Church is famous for displaying one of El Greco s world-renowned paintings.
The El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz or the Burial of the Count of Orgaz is an oil painting with vivid colors. The concept of the painting was based on a local legend, which displays the life-like portrait of Toledo s noble men in 1586.
The Iglesia de Santo Tome is open daily from 10 am to 1:45 and again on 3:30 to 5 pm. During summer seasons, it extends up to 6:45 pm.
Monasterio de Santo Domingo El Antiguo - Santo Domingo El Antiguo Monastery
Location: Madrid
In the 11 th century, this building used to be a convent.
Today, the Monasterio de Santo Domingo El Antiguo is home to El Greco s earlier artworks and various religious items from all eras.
The Santo Domingo El Antiguo Monastery is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 11 am to 1:30 pm and 4 to 7 pm. It is closed on Sunday mornings.
However, during the winter season the monastery schedule changes. It is open around 11 am to 1:30 and 4 to 7 pm. On public holidays including Sundays, it is only open from 4 to 7 pm.
The monastery has a reasonably priced admission fee.
Casa y Museo de El Greco - El Greco House and Museum
Location: Calle de Samuel Levi
In the 16 th century, El Greco, the famous Greek religious painter, moved his home to Toledo . However, no one knows the actual date when El Greco resided in this Jewish quarter.
This house was originally constructed by Samuel Levi . It only became a museum when Don Benigno de Vegan-Inclan converted it in 1910.
Today, you may find El Greco s works displayed in exhibits. The highlights include the Portrait of St. Peter and Vista y Plano de Toledo or the View and Map of Toledo .
The museum is open from Tuesdays up to Saturdays around 10 am - 2 pm and 4 pm to 6pm. It is closed on Sunday afternoons.
There is an admission fee and a discount for students.
Museo de los Concillos y Cultura Visigotica - Museum of the Councils and Visigothic Culture
Location: Calle de San Roman
The Museum of the Councils and Visigothic Culture has a very impressive style of architecture.
This site is home to artifacts from the Visigoth era such as jewelries, capitals and pilasters, important documentation, silver and goldsmith items and ruins of chrismons.
Paying a small admission fee, you may visit the museum every Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 6:30 pm. It is closed during Sunday afternoons.
Museo Sefardi - Sephardic Museum
Location: in front of the La Sinagoga del Transito
Museo Sefardi displays Spain s Jewish background. You will experience a first-hand viewing of medieval vestments, scrolls and gothic tombs.
The Sephardic Museum is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 2pm and 4 to 6 pm. It is closed in Sunday afternoons.
During weekdays, the museum charges a reasonably priced fee. However, on Saturday afternoons and Sunday, it is free of charge.
Museo de Santa Cruz - Holy Cross Museum
This building was completed around 1515. Originally, the Holy Cross Museum was a Toledo hospital.
Today, the Museo de Santa Cruz is home to numerous art collections including several artworks by El Greco such as the Altarpiece of the Assumption (Asuncion de la Virgen).
Another highlight of this museum is the religious artifacts, such as ancient tapestries, displayed all over the building.
The Holy Cross Museum is open during Mondays to Saturdays from 10 am - 6:30 pm. Every Sunday, it is only open until 2 pm.
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo - Museum of Contemporary Art
Location: Calle de las Cadenas
The Museum of Contemporary Art displays numerous Spanish modern artworks such as Aureliano de Beruete and Joan Miro.
It is open every Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 6:30 pm. It is closed on Sunday afternoons.
El Alcazar - The Alcazar
Location: Madrid
In 1085, this fort used to be the royal home of Carlos I. However, El Alcazar has been knocked down and restored several times particularly during the Civil War.
Formerly, the Alcazar was used as a prison and as a site for an army school. It was then when Franco renovated the building and turned it into a museum dedicated for military equipments, artifacts and other historical items when it was publicly visited.
Charged with an admission fee, the Alcazar is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays around 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and 4pm to 5:30 pm. During Sundays, it is from 10 am to 1:30 and 4 pm to 5:30.
Hospital de Tavera - Tavera Hospital
Location: Madrid
In 1541, this building was constructed by a 16 th century Toledo archbishop named Juan Pardo de Tavera .
Today, the Hospital de Tavera displays a large selection of exquisite art. Paintings included are the Baptism of Christ by El Greco, the portrait of Princess Clara Eugenia by Claudio Coelle, the portrait of Emperor Calors V by Titian and a peculiar portrait of a bearded woman by Ribera.
The Hospital de Tavera charges a small fee for admission. It is open daily from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and again around 3:30 to 6 pm.
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