Located just an hour from Madrid, Toledo is a great day trip if you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Spanish capital. When approaching Toledo from any direction, your attention will be immediately drawn to the gigantic stone fortress that stands at the highest point in the city. This is the impressive Alcázar de Toledo located on the highest hill in the city, at 548 m above sea level. Its strict and precise silhouette dominates the horizon and can be seen from any area. It is not only an invaluable historical monument that preserves the events of past centuries, but also the main tourist symbol of Toledo.
Built in the 3rd century and initially used as a Roman palace, the Alcazar has played an important role in the history of Spain. Over the centuries, the building has served many purposes, including its use as a castle, fortress, prison, military barracks, and the King's residence. The building has been restored and modified during its life and the current design was built in the 16th century by King Carlos V.
During the Spanish Civil War in the 30s of the 20th century, the building was severely damaged but was rebuilt in the following years. Today, it houses the Army Museum as well as a regional library. If you are visiting Toledo and have an interest in Spanish military history, then you will enjoy visiting the Alcazar of Toledo.
The appearance of the facades and the courtyard of the building reflect its multifunctional purpose and the duration of the construction. The four facades are medieval, Renaissance, Plateresque and Erresco in style and the courtyard of the palace with the monument to Carlos V is surrounded by a two-level colonnade with semicircular arches.
Upon entering the museum you are in the new section containing the temporary exhibitions, classrooms, library and cafeteria. As you head towards the Alcazar, you will notice the archaeological excavations that have revealed the original foundations and walls of the building that date back to Roman times. You can walk over part of the area with the glass floor allowing a look down.
The Alcazar contains the permanent exhibits, which are well structured in 13 themed rooms. Touring the military museum can take at least a few hours and will be interesting if military history and artifacts appeal to you. The layout of the different rooms can seem a bit confusing, and the size of the building makes it easy to get disoriented.
As you move from room to room, you will see a vast display of military items ranging from medieval weapons to knight armor and everything one can imagine related to Spanish military history. You will see military uniforms, flags, cannons, swords, pistols, the colorful Imperial Chapel (Carlos V's Store), the old stables and the crypt.
From the patio, head to the terrace for a breathtaking view of Toledo and the surroundings. The terrace is huge and allows visitors an unobstructed view in three directions. From here it is clear why this place was chosen for a fortress, as it dominates an imposing position on the surrounding landscape.
Toledo is located about 72 kilometers south of Madrid and it is very easy to get to it. You will have multiple options to get there, including train, bus or car. Direct trains leave Madrid every hour, and the journey takes only 32 minutes. Toledo train station is located on the outskirts of the city and is a step away from the Azarquiel bridge.
Address: Calle de la Union, s / n, 45001 Toledo, Spain
