It was capital of Spain from the Gothic epoch until 1560, fact that explains its really impressive medieval architecture. Walking through its streets one feels like having stepped back into the Middle-Ages, but in the best sense of it, and perhaps you will search your pockets for a few gold-ducats to buy some of Toledo’s fine artisany or just to enjoy of its highly recommandable cuisine.

Being that close to Madrid, of course it is an ideal place to visit if you are in Spain’s actual capital.  It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 due to it’s cultural heritage as one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire and as a place of cohabitation of Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures.

The ancient city not only boasts beautiful views, but also a wonderful El Greco museum. During it’s peak in the Middle Ages the city became well known for the production f swords and other sharp weaponry. Today, you can still see remnants of this and you are able to purchase your own sword or dagger.

+34 925 22 3763

Open Hours9a-9p M-Su

You can buy pastries, cakes, sweets, buns and of course, Toledo’s typical sweet marzipan, here. This confectioner’s sells three varieties of marzipan and it is the house speciality. The hand-made products are not too expensive. You can buy an 800 gramme packet of marzipan as a bargain. The store, which is located in historical Santo Tome street, also sells a variety of caramels and sweets which children of all ages will love.

Open Hours10a-8p M-Sa

You´ll find antique and modern swords from all over the world on sale here, including examples from England, France, Spain and even Japan. You´ll see swords bearing the famous Gladius brand name alongside swords and silverwork made by local Toledan craftsmen. The store opened close to the Plaza de Zocodover in 1997, and if you don’t fancy wearing your sword through Customs, take advantage of the national and international delivery service.

Open Hours9:30a-2p & 4p-8p M-Su

Step inside this delightful store to explore the history of damascene art (gold-encrusted arabesque designs on metal). You can watch the craftsmen at work, see the intricate production process and visit the little museum containing 100-year-old examples. The Simón family is a damascene dynasty of sorts and if you head up to number 36 Calle Comercio, you´ll find the workshop and store belonging to the son of the present patriarch - Julian Simón.

Open Hours9a-2p & 4-8p M-Su (Winter), 9a-3p & 4-8p M-Su (Summer)

Following the Muslim tradition, Ceramicas Lancha keeps the ‘cuerda seca’ technique (an elaborate decorative technique which originated in Persia and was brought to Spain by the Moors) a closely-guarded secret. The result is the production of magnificent lamps, amphoras, jugs and all kinds of ceramic products and items belonging to this cultural heritage. You only have to take a 100-metre walk from the Puerta del Cambron to purchase a souvenir from this store, where the owner is really friendly. This store offers a world-wide delivery service.

+34 925 22 2614

Open Hours9:30a-2:30p & 4:30-8p M-F, 9:30a-8p Sa

Casa Cuartero is situated near the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the Cathedral and caters mainly to tourists. It sells all types of high quality delicatessen products including game, Manchego cheeses and excellent goats cheese as well as over 200 wines.

+34 925 22 1036 / +34 925 22 1402

Open Hours10a-6:15p Tu-Sa, 10a-2p Su

The museum displays a collection of paintings by El Greco, Goya, Ribera, Lucas Jordán, Carducho and other artists from Toledo along with valuable objects like ivory crucifix, Belgian wall-hangings, antique furniture, gold and silverwork. The archaeological exhibits include the skull of a mammoth and artifacts from the Roman, Visigoth, Arabic and mudejar periods. There’s an Industrial Arts section where you can see examples of popular culture and local crafts. The most striking features of this plateresque building are its entrance, the elegant courtyard, the grand staircase and the mudejar and Renaissance style ceilings. You’ll find it by Plaza de Zocodover. Admission is free. It is closed on New Year’s Day, April first, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

Open Hours10a-1:45p & 4-5:45p Tu-Sa, 10-1:45p Su

The ancient Samuel Levon Synagogue, is one of the two remaining synagogues in Toledo’s old Jewish quarter, the Aljama. It was built between 1336 and 1357. Following the expulsion of the Jews in 1492 it was used as a hospital and a church before being declared a national monument in 1877. In 1964 the Sephardic Museum was set up as a tribute to the descendents of Spain’s Jewish population. The permanent collection charts the history of the Jewish peoples before their arrival in Spain, during their presence in the country and following their expulsion. In addition, there are often temporary exhibitions on aspects of contemporary Jewish culture and a shop selling everything from books to watches with a common Jewish theme. Closed: 1/5, 24/12, 25/12, 31/12. Admission to Synagogue and Museum: (EUR 2.40) or (1.20) for students, children, senior citizens and members of museum associations.

+34 925 22 4046

Open Hours10a-2p & 4p-6p Tu-Sa, 10a-2p Su

Many of the best paintings created by Domenikos Theotokopulos - the brilliant 16th-century artist better known as El Greco, have been brought together in this attractive museum. They are displayed amongst period furniture and other objects alongside paintings and sculpture dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries. El Greco’s most famous painting - El entierro del Conde Orgaz (The Burial of Count Orgaz) - is in the nearby Santo Tome Church. You’ll find the museum located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter close to the Sinagoga del Transito. Admission: EUR 2.40; senior citizens & under-18s: EUR 1.20, Sa afternoon & Su: free. Closed: Monday and public holidays

+34 925 25 4524 / +34 925 28 4238

Open Hours10a-7p M-Sa, 10a-3p Su

This museum brings together a selection of the work of sculptor Victorio Macho and it is situated right in the heart of the Aljama, Toledo’s old Jewish Quarter, just a few metres from two ancient synagogues. It was the artist who had this house cum studio built in 1953 on a promontory called Tarpeya Rock. The works on show include sketches and models of monuments sited in Spain and the Americas, as well as portraits of well-known personalities such as Unamuno. The sculptures of the artist’s mother and his brother Marcelo are of particular note. A documentary about Toledo can be seen in one of the gallery spaces. Admission: EUR3, half price for students and seniors. Free entrance for children under 18 and members of the Amigos de la Real Fundación de Toledo.