| Destination: Madrid | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| What To See Madrid Madrid + Madrid Excursions + Excursions Walk/Drive * Medieval Madrid * The Gran Vía * The Paseo del Prado * Calle de Alcalá * Old Towns South of Madrid * Segovia and the Mountains * Toledo * Guadarrama Mountains Food&Drink In The Know Did You Know? |
Toledo
This atmospheric walk takes in important sights. Toledo has steep hills and cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes. Start at the Plaza de Zocodover. Through the large Moorish archway under the clock, steps lead to the Museo de Santa Cruz, a fine museum known for its El Greco paintings. Uphill on Cuesta Carlos V is the Alcázar fortress. From the plaza, follow Calle de Comercio. Turn left to the front of the Cathedral. This enormous Gothic structure is a treasure chest of religious art. The sacristy is hung with works by El Greco, van Dyck and Goya. Cross the square, follow the alley to the right of the town hall; it narrows into a passageway and you step through a doorway into a tiny square. Turn right onto Calle de El Salvador. Go uphill to Calle de Santo Tomé. Turn left on San Juan de Dios for the Iglesia de Santo Tomé. Underneath its Moorish tower, the 14th-century church houses El Greco's huge painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Across the square, the Casa-Museo de El Greco is dedicated to the famous painter. From here, Calle de San Juan de Dios leads into the Jewish quarter. Continue to the Sinagoga de El Tránsito. With Moorish and Gothic details, this 14th-century synagogue reflects the three cultures of Toledo; the Sephardic Museum explains the traditions of Spanish Jews. From here, return to the Plaza de Zocodover or wander through more ancient alleyways. Distance 1km, hilly Time 1 hour without stops, 5 hours with stops Start Plaza de Zocodover End Sinagoga del Tránsito Lunch Casa Aurelio (Inexpensive-Moderately priced) Address: Singagoga 6 Phone: 925 22 20 97 Museo de Santa Cruz Address: Calle de Cervantes 3 Phone: 925 22 10 36 Open: 10-6:30, Sun 10-2 Admission: Cheap Casa-Museo de El Greco Address: Calle de Samuel Levi 3 Phone: 925 22 40 46 Open: Tue-Sat 10-2, 4-6; Sun 10-2 Admission: Cheap |
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