Located just 70 kilometers from Spain's capital, Madrid, Toledo is an enchanting city with a history spanning over 2,000 years!
Toledo was and is the famed "city of three cultures", where Jews, Muslims and Christians coexisted peacefully as the rest of Spain succumbed to religious strife in the centuries leading up to the expulsions of the Jews and Moors in 1492 and 1502, respectively. For this reason, the architecture and designs found throughout the Old Quarter, strategically and picturesquely perched on a hill top, is an intermingled mesh of buildings and places of worship from all three cultures. Not surprisingly, Toledo was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage.
As you wander through the narrow streets, pretty squares and traditional Spanish patios, practically every building is a monument. The Gothic cathedral is a good starting point. Often regarded as the most beautiful in Spain, it was constructed between 1226 and 1493, boasts artwork by all the Spanish greats and a simply breathtaking interior. Other Christian buildings of note include the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the 10th-century Church of San Sebastián.
Two of the 11 synagogues that once stood in Toledo remain standing today in what was once the all-Jewish neighborhood; the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue was built in 1180 and the El Tránsito Synagogue was built in 1356. Not far away is the small, beautiful Cristo de la Luz Mosque, which dates back to the year 999.
Complementing Toledo's churches, synagogues and mosques are numerous other points of interest. Take a walk and see the remains of the city's ancient Roman circus, explore the Alcázar fortress, have a relaxed drink in the Zocodover Square, pay a visit to the Museum of El Greco, gateways and walls that were once part of the city's defense and much more.
For more information, take a look at our Toledo Guide
Spanish Courses in Toledo
While we are always looking to expand to new destinations, we currently do not have Spanish courses in Toledo. However, we do have schools in dozens of great destinations in both Spain and Latin America. Take a look at all the wonderful cities and countries where you can find us on the page below: