Given its size and imposing location, the Toledo Alcázar is unmissable in the UNESCO-listed city. First created as a Roman palace, once home to Holy Roman emperors and kings, and damaged and rebuilt following periods of conflict, the landmark is recognizable by its Renaissance facades and four lofty towers.
Check out the on-site Army Museum showcasing armor, medals, and historic exhibitions. The building also comprises the Infantry Academy and the Regional Library of Castile-La Mancha. Many city sightseeing tours stop by the Toledo Alcázar along with other top attractions. The Toledo City Card includes entry, as well.
In the heart of hilltop Toledo, the Alcázar is reached by numerous local bus lines. If you’re driving, parking is available on-site. Toledo is about a 1.5-hour train trip from Madrid, and the Alcázar is roughly a 30-minute walk (or a quick drive) from the Toledo train station.
The Alcázar is typically open every day except Monday and certain holidays.
After visiting the Alcázar, head to the 13th-century Toledo Cathedral, considered a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture. Additional highlights include the grand Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the Church of Santo Tomé, the Museo del Greco (dedicated to painter El Greco), and the Synagogue of El Tránsito