A Special Week in Toledo
Most visitors to Toledo, Spain see the city in its normal state. But one week out of the year is very special and it happens to be this week (we are writing this on May 29, 2024). If you are visiting this week, you are in for a special celebration. Whether you are visiting this week or not, be sure to read to the end where we tell you how to get to Toledo from Madrid.
The Feast of Corpus Christi
Eight weeks after Easter each year the week-long celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi begins in Toledo, Spain. This year (2024) it started on May 27th and goes through June 2nd. If you happen to visit Toledo during this week, you will see the city all decked out with awnings, flowers, wreaths, and so forth, and the facade of the cathedral is decorated with tapestries. On Thursday they have a procession led by the Archbishop of Toledo through some of the historic streets of Toledo.
Procession Details
What will you see during the procession? The take the Custodia/Monstrance out of the cathedral and carry it in the procession.
The custodia of Toledo, also known as the Monstrance of Enrique de Arfe, is a magnificent piece of liturgical art housed in the Primate Cathedral of St. Mary in Toledo. It was crafted between 1515 and 1523 by the silversmith Enrique de Arfe. This custodia is made of gilded silver and stands at an impressive height of 309.5 cm. Source https://www.catedralprimada.es/en/info/museos/la-custodia-de-enrique-de-arfe/ (downloaded/updated 11/12/2024)
The custodia houses the golden ostensorium that once belonged to Queen Isabella of Castile. This ostensorium is said to have been crafted with the first gold brought from the Americas. The custodia itself is adorned with intricate silver reliefs depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, including the Arrest of Jesus, the Lament over the Dead Christ, and the Resurrection. Source https://www.fiestapopular.com/en/corpus-christi-toledo (downloaded/updated 11/12/2024)
You'll see civil guards on horseback, and the civil guard band as well as drummers from city hall and the "gigantones y cabezudos," large headed giant figures. And you'll see many locals and visitors alike gathering along the route of the procession to watch and celebrate. The procession itself is an opportunity for Christians to publicly profess their faith and an annual tradition, centuries in the making. Read more about it at the tourism site of Toledo.
Getting to Toledo from Madrid (source: https://turismo.toledo.es/prepara-tu-viaje/preguntas-frecuentes.html)
How to get to Toledo by train?
The AVE (AVANT high-speed train) leaves from Madrid-Atocha with an approximate frequency of 1 hour. It takes 25 minutes to get to Toledo and it's €23 round trip. You can check prices and schedules on the Renfe website.
How to get to the historic center from the train station?
Walking, it will take about 20 minutes using the escalators in Plaza del Granadal. By taxi, there is a stop at the station door. It costs approximately €6 to get to Zocodover Square. By bus, outside the station there is a city bus stop. The lines that stop at Zocodover Square (city center) are 5, 511, 61 and 62. The ticket costs €1.40. On Toledo urban buses you cannot pay with a credit card or mobile phone. The driver will not accept bills of more than €5 for a single trip.
How to get to Toledo by bus?
ALSA buses make the Toledo-Madrid/Madrid-Toledo route. They leave every 30 minutes from Plaza Elíptica. Price: round trip, approximately €10. There are direct buses (1 hour journey) or with stops (10 stops, 1:30 hour journey). You can check the schedules on the ALSA website.
How to get to the historic center from the bus station?
Walking, it will take about 12 minutes using the escalators in Plaza del Granadal. By taxi,
it costs approximately €6 to get to Zocodover Square. There is a stop at the station door. By bus, in the station docks there is an urban bus line 5 stop; Outside the station there is another stop for lines 12, 61, 62 and 511. All of them leave you in the Zocodover square (city center). The city bus ticket costs €1.40. On Toledo urban buses you cannot pay with a credit card or mobile phone. The driver will not accept bills of more than €5 for a single trip.
If you are planning to drive there, you can follow this link and find information on where to park and much more.
If you want very detailed information to help you plan your trip to Toledo, the Toledo tourism website has a ton of great information including ten different plans for visitors of all types.
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