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 y de la Cueva ordered that a terrace be made in order to hold ceremonies such as parades or tournaments. This led to it being known as Paseo del Mariscal (Marshall Avenue) and eventually its current name of Paseo de Merchán. In the 19th century it was used for military exercises by soldiers until 1868 when Mayor Juan Antonio Gallardo ordered the construction of a park which ended in 1871. For a long time it hosted the August fair but this was later transferred to La Peraleda.
The park is also home to a guard house that could have been taken straight out of a fairytale known as the House of Cork (due to the material it is made out of). Don’t miss out on visiting the park with its fountains, sculptures and century old trees. Finish your trip off with that horchata or lemon slushie to recharge your batteries and continue getting to know Toledo.