Toledo

The city of Toledo is nestled up in a gorge of the Tagus river. Listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, they city is definitely worth a visit, as it is one of the most historically and culturally important cities in Spain.

If you arrive by car, start with a drive around the city to get a look at the unique view of the city, which is the capitol of the province of the same name. The late afternoon is the best time for photographs..

You'll enter the city through one of the nine doors in the city walls. Toledo's old town is made up of a series of narrow, hilly streets. . With each step, you'll discover a new historical monument, passageway, staircase, in an environment that will take you back to the middle ages. Don't be afraid to wander around, or even to get lost. Try to stay away from the too touristy Zocodover square which has lost a lot of its historic charm. It used to be used as a marketplace, festival grounds and for bull races.

What to see in Toledo:

The Alcazar, a palace and fortress, is framed by 4 towers in the highest part of town. Though its construction began in medieval times, its current Renaissance style configuration dates back to the 16th century.

From Zocodover square, take del comercio street to visit the Tornererias Mosque; a magnificent example of Arabic architecture with its slender arches and columns.

L'ermita del cristo de la luz, a mosque built in 980.

Santo Tomé church topped with its Mudejar style steeple. The church is home for one of El Greco's most famous paintings "The Funeral of Count Orgaz".

The impressive Cathedral of Toledo is a mix of gothic, muddier, baroque and neoclassical styles. It was built in the 7th century and contains paintings from such great artists as Gay, El Ger., Titian, Rebels, and more. It's a veritable holy museum!

The mesa de Santa Cruz, with its magnificent patio has a large collection of paintings from the middle ages.

In the center of the Jewish quarter, go and see the house where El Ger. was born.