One of our favourite spots in Toledo is the Princesa Galiana Palace. Also known as the King’s Orchard, the site straddles the Tagus near the city’s train station. It’s one of those hidden treasures that is so magical you’ll struggle not to come back. The tranquil spot is perfect to visit with kids. It was made in the Mudjéjar Style (unique to the Iberian peninsula of the 12th to the 16th...
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Toledo’s Living Nativity Scene
In an earlier post we suggested taking a stroll through the historic centre of Toledo to see some of the nativity scenes that line the city. Today I’m going to recommend that you visit the living nativity scene at Eurocaja Rural which will delight both young and old alike. The Birth of Jesus is accompanied by dromedaries, geese, ducks, ponies, peacocks, donkeys, the list goes on, making this nativity scene one...
Continue reading...Fancy a ride across the Tagus?
If you happen to be in Toledo during the cooler months of the year there is a nice walk along the Tagus River in the Cornisa neighbourhood where you’ll find a ferry crossing. The traditional day for Toledanos to use it is 1st May (also known as the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of the Valley). The former owner of the ferry was the locally famous Antonio Balmaseda, also known for his...
Continue reading...Toledo Train Station
The train first came to Toledo in June 1858, with the station that stands before us today being built in 1917. It follows the plans of Narciso de Clavería, combining brick, stone, iron and cement in a unique Neomudéjar style that you have to see in person to truly appreciate. During its construction the project ran into a lot of problems, with the Tagus River regularly flooding the station. Whether you...
Continue reading...Let’s recharge our batteries in La Vega Park!
There is a park near the Puerta de Bisagra called El Paseo de Merchán, more commonly known by Toledanos as La Vega. Don’t miss the chance to take a stroll through the gardens and drink an horchata or lemon slushie with some pork scratchings, almonds or pickles if you truly want to act like a local. The site started life as a rubbish tip until 1538 when Marshal Pedro de Navarra...
Continue reading...Toledo’s Roman Circus
Today we are going to discover the Roman circus, one of the most underappreciated monuments in Toledo, but one that is essential to understand the Roman city, or Toletum as it was once known. The circus shows the great importance of the city during the Roman era, with a length of 422 metres (1385 feet), a width of 122 metres (400 feet) and a capacity of between 15,000 and 30,000 spectators...
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