Toledo's architecture and twisting streets have received many historical and cultural influences over the centuries and the city rightly deserves its title of a national monument. The city's wide ranging attractions appeal to tourists from all walks of life and so it is fair to say that there will be something to suit everyone visiting Toledo.
Particularly notable tourist attractions include the El Greco House and Museum (Casa y Museo de El Greco) and its historic Italian masterpieces, and the Tavera Hospital (Hospital de Tavera), where various important art works are also displayed. Of course, the Alcázar of Toledo is another 'must-see' and this imposing fortification dominates much of the city, overlooking the rooftops below from its elevated setting.
Casa y Museo de El Greco (El Greco House and Museum)
Address: Calle de Samuel Levi
In the 16th century, the Greek religious painter El Greco made his home in the old Jewish quarter. It is debatable as to whether he actually resided in the house originally built by Samuel Levi, a friend and adviser to King Peter I of Castile. In 1910, Don Benigno de Vega-Inclán started the museum. Today El Greco's distinguished work can be found on display, including 'Vista y Plano de Toledo / A View and Map of Toledo' and 'Portrait of St. Peter'.
Admission: charge, reduction for students
Open: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, Sunday - closed in the afternoon
El Alcázar (The Alcázar)
A fort founded in 1085, that was once the royal residence of Carlos I, the Alcázar has been demolished and restored many times, most recently during the Civil War. Franco had it rebuilt into a military museum. In the past the Alcázar has been used as an army school, as well as a prison.
Admission: charge
Open: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:30 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 17:30 (summer until 18:30), Sunday - 10:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 17:30 (summer until 18:30)
Hospital de Tavera (Tavera Hospital)Built in 1541 for Juan Pardo de Tavera, a 16th-century Archbishop of Toledo. Nowadays the building is home to an art collection, which includes Titian's 'Portrait of Emperor Carlos' V, Claudio Coelle's painting of Princess Clara Eugenia, El Greco's 'Baptism of Christ' and Ribera's unusual portrait of a bearded woman.
Admission: charge
Open: daily - 10:30 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 18:00
Monasterio de Santo Domingo El Antiguo (Santo Domingo El Antiguo Monastery)
This is an 11th-century convent that now displays religious items and early works by El Greco.
Admission: charge
Open: summer, Monday to Saturday - 11:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:00, Sunday - closed in the morning
Winter, Saturday - 11:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:00, Sunday and public holidays - 16:00 to 19:00
