Toledo: Spain’s Historic, Artistic, and Spiritual Center

Toledo’s street plan is the most confusing in Spain, its cathedral the most Gothic, and the cathedral’s altar the most stunning.
Toledo: Spain’s Historic, Artistic, and Spiritual Center
Toledo's cathedral, with its vast interior and great collection of art, is one of Europe's most impressive. Cameron Hewitt, Rick Steves' Europe
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On my last visit to Toledo, it seemed holier than ever: Dark El Greco clouds threatened overhead, stark against bright, clear horizons. Hail pelted the masses of people clogging the streets as they awaited the Good Friday procession.

A look back at my write-up reveals nothing but superlatives: Toledo’s street plan is the most confusing in Spain, its cathedral the most Gothic (and the most Spanish of all Gothic churches), and the cathedral’s altar the most stunning. Toledo was once home to Europe’s most powerful king, Charles V, and is papered with the vividly spiritual paintings of the city’s most famous artist, El Greco.

Rick Steves
Rick Steves
Author
Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This article was adapted from his new book, For the Love of Europe. You can email Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook. ©2022 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.