User Reviews
ESB NYC (3 months ago)
We were on a day trip to Toledo and passed by the Alcazar. It was a blazing hot day and we decided to duck inside and see what was on display. There is a rather interesting archaeological excavation where you can see some of the ancient ruins that were discovered down below the existing structure. The building itself is quite lovely and I understand that it played a significant role in the Spanish Civil War. There are some military items on display outside from the Civil War. There appeared to be a number of Spanish military members visiting the day that we visited. We didn’t have to pay to go in, but there was not really a great deal that was available to view. Worth a stop if you are in Toledo, but I think you could go in and out of there in 30 minutes.
Gerard Perlas (3 months ago)
A must visit in Toledo. Book the Tram to enjoy the 45 mins tour around Toledo and see the best views.
Bill Ryan (3 months ago)
What a fantastic building this is. The views across the countryside are wonderful too. You can visit the library, which is a library and the cafeteria in this part without a ticket.
The Army Museum entry was free due to significant parts of the place being unavailable for the public to visit. It's normally 5€ entrance.
There are a lot of things to see there about the building and its history and some about Spain and its more recent military history. unfortunately, there is not much about the civil war. The outside areas and courtyard give a good insight into the scale of the building. There are exhibits outside including a helicopter, a Russian T24 tank, and some field artillery complete with Firestone tyres.
It's definitely worth a visit.
Fernando Santos (4 months ago)
Amazing historical place. A must visit. Highly recommend taking a bus tour and going on the top. Be ready to take amazing photos. Take a backpack with a couple of water bottles and sunscreen if you're going during the summer. It gets very hot.
Zoran Jovanovic (5 months ago)
The Alcázar of Toledo is a fascinating fortress with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Here are some interesting facts:
Though its current form is much later, the Alcázar's origins trace back to a Roman palace built in the 3rd century.
Over the centuries, the Alcázar has been a Roman palace, a Visigothic stronghold, a Muslim fortress, and a royal residence.
The Alcázar played a pivotal role in the Spanish Civil War. It withstood a months-long siege by Republican forces, becoming a symbol of Nationalist resistance.
Today, the Alcázar houses the Army Museum, showcasing Spanish military history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Alcázar of Toledo currently serves two main purposes:
* Museum: It houses the Army Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits chronicling Spanish military history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
* Tourist Attraction: The Alcázar itself is a popular tourist destination, admired for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can explore its various chambers, courtyards, and fortifications, gaining insights into its rich past.
Alcázar also houses the Biblioteca de Castilla-La Mancha (Library of Castile-La Mancha). It occupies the eighth floor of the building and offers a vast collection of around 350,000 books. While not the main purpose of the Alcázar, the library is a valuable resource for researchers and the general public.
The Alcázar of Toledo's transformation into its current form began in the 11th century under the reign of King Alfonso VI. However, the most significant architectural changes occurred during the 16th century under the rule of Holy Roman Emperors Charles V and Philip II. These monarchs envisioned the Alcázar as a symbol of imperial power and grandeur, commissioning prominent architects like Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan de Herrera to redesign it in the Renaissance style.