Actually, Toledo does not have a single wall but several. The Romans built the first, later expanded by the Visigoths. The Muslim rulers rebuilt and widened it again. They also erected a new defensive wall inside, around the Alcazar and the governor's residence. The Jewish quarter also had its own wall. Later, the Christian kings also rebuilt them... Today the walls and their gates (there are nine left) remain important, an essential part of Toledo's charm.
Info & Location
City/Province: Toledo
Type of Experience:
Islamic heritage
Address: Real del Arrabal, 26, 45003 Toledo
Further info: The Islamic walls: The Toledo's fortified layout we see today, as well as most of the gates, correspond to Al Andalus period. Part of the Roman ashlars were reused.
Not only defensive: Since its origin, and for many centuries, the walls' function was purely defensive. Later, when the wars and territorial disputes came to an end, some of them acted as points for tax collection.
Nine gates: Nine is the number of gates that remain of 14, or more, that existed since the walls were erected. They are: Puerta de Alcantara (Bab Alqantara), Bab al-Mardum or Valmardón, Bisagra, Alfonso VI, Del Sol, Puerta de Doce Cantos, Arco de la Sangre, Puerta del Vado y Puerta de Alarcones.
