TOLEDO, Espania

MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS

Hospital de Tavera

A Renaissance building repressenting the architectural and urban renovation planned by the Enperor Carlos V for Toledo in the 16th century. Formidable art collection and Flemish elements. It's Spanish Nobility archive and it's period hospital pharmacy are worthy of note.

CRISTO DE LA LUZ MOSQUE

This 10th century building is the only one still preserved from before the Christon Reconquest. It is supported by 9vaults, with decorated colums and capitals.

ALCAZAR-ARMY MUSEUM

One of Toledo's most symbolic buildings, whose earliest origins go back to Roman times (3rd century). Conceived historically as a fortress, castle or palace, its main fasade is the work of Alonso de Covarrubias. It now howses the new Army Museum and the Regional Library of Castilla La Mancha. In its most recent history, one of its functions was as the Infantry Academy.

BISAGRA GATE

Extended and rebuilt in 1555,it has a large entry arch, flanked by stout semicircular towers. Over the gate is the imperial shield of Carlos V, as it was conceived as a triumphal archway.

ALFONSO VI GATE

Also referred to as the Old Bisagra Gate, it is of Moorish origin, dating from the early 10th century, and is one of the most interesting examples of military architecture of the time.

CAMBRON GATE

Rebuilt in the second half of the 16th century, it has double gates and four towers; its name derives from the buckthorn bushes which grew nearby.

SAN MARTIN BRIDGE

Dating from the 14th century, the bridge spans four arches and is defended by two gate towers ;an extraordinary example of military architecture in times of Cardenal Gil de Albornoz.

CRISTO DE LA VEGA HERMITAGE

The remains of the Basilica of Santa Leocadia, where the first Visigoth Councils of Toledo were held.

PUERTA DEL SOL GATE

Built mainly in the 14th century, the most important access to the city. A beatiful example of Toledo's Mudejar architecture.

ALCANTARA BRIDGE

Of Roman origin, and rebuilf in Moorish times, it rests on two round arches, and supports the fortified gate tower. In the vicinity of the bridge is the beginning of the roman aqueduct.

CHURCH OF EL SALVADOR

Built in Moorish times, it houses a Visigoth pilaster with a representation of figures of exceptional importance, and an old minaret converted into a bell tower.  This is one of the churches mentioned in Lazarillo de Tormes.