Alcázar de Toledo

This was the most bizarre tourist attraction I’ve ever seen. No idea where the entry to it was, but from the google reviews I have read, you’re not missing much, except the heat. I ended up going to the library, taking the lift to the cafeteria and getting great views from there. Also, a beer and wine only cost a total of 3.50 euros. Bargain!

Excellent! An amazing place. Not only because the Alcazar itself but also the museum inside is amazing. Full of information on the history of the place and the formation of Spain from the times before the Roman empire. Full of history. Excellent!!! Beyond my expectations.

The Alcázar de Toledo is a must-see, towering over the city with a history that’s as gripping as its views! This fortress, reborn after the Spanish Civil War, houses the Army Museum, where you’ll find everything from Roman ruins to Civil War relics. The archaeological displays in the basement are a highlight, showing layers of Toledo’s past. The central patio, with its Habsburg charm, is stunning, and the terrace offers jaw-dropping city views perfect at sunset. Plan for 2 hours to explore; audio guides help, though more English signage would be nice. Free entry is a bonus!

Basically it is a military museum as I see it. The official map shows three tour routes, and I went through all of them. To be honest, it’s not my cup of tea. I know nothing about swords, guns or cannons and I don’t enjoy watching them from hall to hall. If you have the same idea with me, I’d suggest saving the money for a better lunch and taking pictures of this place from outside.

The entrance is from the side. It's the military museum entrance. The place is humongous and there are a lot of military weapons and knights armour to see. This is a must see in Toledo . From the rooftops you can see the whole valley. Spectacular views with old roman buildings.

Beautiful city, very hilly so make sure you have your walking shoes on. The on/off bus is a good option if you have ambulatory issues. Stunning architecture, good restaurants.

A fairy tale castle located in an incredible spot, the view from the castle is truly breathtaking. You can spot a marching troops from miles and miles away, those Romans were quite smart. 😜

The Alcazar also houses the Spanish Army Museum. This is relatively new and does a very nice job of explaining the history of Spain in the context of its military and conflicts. The Alcazar played an important role in the Spanish Civil War. Most of the displays used to be about the siege in 1936. That part of the museum is closed and being totally redone.

Due to renovations of the permanent exhibitions, only the temporary exhibition floor on N3, the courtyard, bookstore and the inside hallways overlooking the excavation area.

Moorish citadel occupied from the 10th century on a hill just outside the walled city dominating the horizon. It was not worth going inside, the museum is nothing special. It's an imposing 16th-century edifice & former fortified royal palace, now a Military museum.

The Alcázar de Toledo is a stone fortification located in the highest part of Toledo. You can't miss it, either from the outside of Town or within. Once used as a Roman palace in the 3rd century, it was restored under Alfonso VI and Alfonso X and renovated in 1535. During the Spanish Civil War, Colonel José Moscardó Ituarte held the building against overwhelming Spanish Republican forces in the Siege of the Alcázar. The incident became a central piece of Spanish Nationalist lore, especially the story of Moscardó's son Luis. The Republicans took 16-year old Luis hostage, and demanded that the Alcázar be surrendered or they would kill him. Luis told his father, "Surrender or they will shoot me." His father replied, "Then commend your soul to God, shout 'Viva Cristo Rey' and die like a hero! The events of the Spanish Civil War at the Alcázar made the structure a symbol for Spanish Nationalism and inspired the naming of El Alcázar, a far-right newspaper that began during the civil war and ended during the Spanish transition to democracy as the mouthpiece for Búnker, a faction who opposed reform after Francisco Franco's death. Here's My Bottom Line - Admire the architecture and larger than life footprint from the outside and at different angles.. It you like boring National Military Museums (newly refurbished and now open), go on in.

It is worth the trip! Must see! Very impressive city built by Arabic's, more that 100 monument, we started the visit by the puente of San Martín, the temperature inside the buildings change from one to another! Lots of churches in this town too Highly recommend

It's a truly grand structure situated high on the hill on top of this small, beautiful city. Luckily, there's a bus you can take to the top. The fortress itself is great and the views surrounding it are remarkable. Then, there's an army museum located within it. For €5, you can explore it's exhibits about the Spanish army. I say skip it, it's not had greatest museum. Visiting the fortress itself and enjoying the views is itself a reward and it's free. Don't bother with the museum.

This museum has potential but compared to equivalents in the UK and other countries, this large military establishment falls short. Firstly, maybe it's an inescapable problem but the shape and layout of the historic building hinders your experience: there's no flow between sections or galleries, with huge corridors that don't seem to lead anywhere in particular, rooms with only one doorway so you have to file back past everything you've seen already to exit. Don't get me wrong, I like cannons and detailed collections of 18th century musketry as much as the next person. The Wallace Collection in London is fantastic. However, despite this being the principle collection of the Spanish army, I just didn't find it very interesting. Spanish military history is no less illustrious or impressive than Britain's - or any other European power for that matter - so I don't understand why this was so unexciting. I don't think I've ever been so unthrilled by large arrays of glittering armour. I think it's partially down to some strange curatorial decisions that really detract from the objects on display. Why have huge panels of display glass that aren't completely transparent? Why put very small descriptions on the inside edge of the displays behind the not-quite-transparent glass, so only one person can read it at a time? A even then they have to squint. Why display the large flag collection horizontally, behind the same rubbish glass, and light the room with incredibly yellow bulbs, obliterating the colour of the flags? Why light the rest of the place in this dim milky glow that muddies all the intricate details and dampens any glow? Those arrays of glittering armour are made to look flat and dull. It's as if they almost don't want you to look at the exhibits. Don't get me started on the rooms and rooms and rooms of toy soldiers. One cabinet of them is definitely enough. In terms of pricing it was pretty reasonable, and as a student I got my tickets for €1. Even still, I don't know whether that €1 was worth it. Only small changes are required to elevate this from a middling regional museum to a great national collection, but in its current state I would not recommend a visit. I apologise for being quite so scathing but deadly weapons of the state shouldn't be treated so poorly.

We did not visit the Alcazar itself, but we did go around the corner to its library. The sign says the best view of Toledo. The time we visited, the fog was lifting. It has the very best view of Toledo for sure. The coffee was not bad there! Have a view of the city and enjoy a cup of coffee.

I was not crazy about this one. I walked though all of it but it just did not grab me. All about the military and what went on long ago. Took a while to walk though. some cool things, just not for me.

If you're not into all things military, skip this one and don't look back. It's a large museum dedicated to the Spanish Military through it's long history. While speaking Spanish would certainly boost your understanding of this place, the English signage is suitable. Some neat exhibits (particularly on the Spanish Civil War) and the building is air conditioned nicely, which is a huge plus when visiting Toledo in the summer.