Toledo’s most famous native may well be El Greco, and visitors can tour the Casa y Museo de El Greco in the old Jewish quarter. Inside the artist’s studio see an original El Greco painting plus several more copies and portraits, as well as works by other 16th- and 17th-century Spanish artists. In the house, see authentic period pieces, including an impressive garden and kitchen, and a Moorish-style sitting room.

The Alcazar is located along the eastern border of the old city, near the Plaza de Zocodover. It is famous for surviving a 70-day siege during the Spanish Civil War. The extensive damage from that episode has been repaired, and today it houses an army museum, which features a plastic model of how the fortress used to look. Take the walking tour to see electronic equipment used during the siege and pictures from the battle.

The great Gothic cathedral was built over two centuries, from the early 1200s through the late 1400s. Venture inside to see the many artistic treasures, including the transparente, a wall of marble and elaborate alabaster sculpture that could not even be seen until sculptor Narcisco Tome cut a hole in the ceiling to bring in sufficient light. Step into the Treasure Room to see the 500-pound 15th century gilded monstrance that is used during the feast of Corpus Christi .

The Museu de Santa Cruz , originally a 16th century Spanish Renaissance hospice, is currently an art and sculpture museum. The outside of the building is quite impressive in itself, and inside hangs El Greco’s last known work, as well as works by Goya and Ribera, antique furniture, Flemish tapestries, and artifacts from archeological digs throughout the region.