This is an icon of many things in Toledo. Old and modern, it has gone thru all the joys and troubles of the city. It was my first visit to it back in 1972! with my mother, while visiting nearby family. Then over the years I have brought the rest, family , friends, girlfriend, wife, sons, and again repeat. Toledo is an icon of Spain, if you want to know what is Spain everything under the sun, you need to come here and understand.
The Alcázar of Toledo is a 16C fortress of rectangular form placed in the highest part of the city with a large central esplanade and four towers at four angles, with granite walls, and which apparently was the seat of the Roman protectorate of the city, and later a Visigoth Palace 6C , then an Arab fortress in the 8C.
After the conquest of Toledo from the Moors in 1085, the Arab fortress was restored by the Christians and used as a military bulwark during the reigns of kings Alfonso VI, Alfonso VII, Alfonso VIII and Alfonso X the Wise. In the 16C, king Charles V converted it into a luxurious royal residence, The Alcazar suffered a fire in 1710. A century later, 1810, the Napoleonic troops burned it again and after its reconstruction carried out between 1867 and 1882, it was still burned for the third time in 1887. Rebuilt so many times, it was used successively as the royal house of Charity, Military Academy, Infantry Academy, General Military Academy, Infantry Academy a second time and lately, between 1931 and 1936, Academy of Infantry, Cavalry and stewardship. …
It is famous for the siege of the Alcázar during the Spanish Civil War. It was used by then Colonel Joseph Moscardó as defensive and resistance point of the Guardia Civil and was almost totally destroyed by the troops loyal to the Second Republic and the militiamen, during a siege that lasted seventy days, from July 22 to September 27, 1936. He was rescue and taken off that day by the troops under the command of General José Enrique Varela and visited the following day by General Francisco Franco. It was used later as a symbol heroism during the Civil War. Stray bullets from the : Civil War could still be seen embedded in the walls of the Alcázar. In October 1998 it became the headquarters of the Library of Castilla-La Mancha (Biblioteca ) to our days, and from July 2010 is home to the Army Museum moved from the former Salon de los Reinos of Madrid.
The Spanish Defense Ministry on the Alcazar: https://ejercito.defensa.gob.es/museo/en/museo/informacion_general/historia/
The Library of Castilla La Mancha upper floor of Alcazar: https://biblioclm.castillalamancha.es/informacion-general/la-biblioteca
A bit on the interior description.
White Arms Hall (Salon de Armas Blancas) ,It is a room of homage and remembrance to the tradition of swordmanship of Toledo that was continued in the National factory of Arms of Toledo, founded by king Carlos III, where one can observe the evolution that has had the white weapon.
Firearms Hall (Salon de Armas de Fuego), It has all the firearms of the 20C like pistols, machine guns, mortars, rifles, etc. from the Museum of the Army of Madrid and narrates the history of Spain.
Miniature model Room (Salon de Maquetas)n there are two models of the Alcázar, before and after the siege, in the Spanish Civil War with photographs and other significant objects.
Romero Ortiz Hall: It exhibited the collections of the Minister of Grace and Justice, Antonio Romero Ortiz, and bequeathed to the Infantry Academy.
Moscardó ‘s office. (Despacho de Moscardo) This office is the only stay that is preserved as it was on September 28th, 1936.
Hall of Battles (Salon de Batallas). In this place the tactics are represented, the environments and places where were developed the most important acts of weapons of the Spanish armies. On each representation, on the roof, are the shields of Spain at the time of each battle below shown.
Crypt (Cripta) It is the place where the rest of the defenders rest in peace.
Contemporary uniform room(Salon de Uniformes Contemporarios). In this room are exposed the uniforms to the present, as well as rewards and distinctions. It has an informative purpose. The hall is presided over by a bust of King Juan Carlos I.
Military command room.(Salon de Ordenes Militares). The eight military orders from the 8C to the 16C and six current habits are reproduced in this Hall. The oldest order, that of the Holm oak(Encina) ,dates from the year 722. The intention to assemble this room is to pay homage to these orders that contributed very effectively to the Reconquista (reconquest) and were the predecessors of the regular armies.
Documentary Room (Salon Documental) It contains the most varied documents, plans, maps ,instructions, etc. for which the construction and successive reconstructions of the Alcazar have been ruled since the times of the emperor Charles (Carlos V or king Carlos I of Spain).
Some webpages to help you plan your trip , and it is a must are:
The Toledo tourist office on the Alcazar: https://turismo.toledo.es/museo-monumento-expo/alcazar/
The Castilla La Mancha region tourist board on the Alcazar: http://en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es/patrimonio/museo-del-ejercito-alcazar-de-toledo-2661/descripcion/
There you go folks, another dandy monument in my beloved Spain, A visit to the Alcazar is a must if you went to Toledo , which is a must, Here you will understand a bit of Spain better than on books, the kingdom of Spain, that is. Hope you enjoy it as I,
And remember, happy travels ,good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 