The best MTB trails around Olías Del Rey

The view of Toledo from the Mirador del Valle road is considered one of the most iconic panoramas in Spain and, for many, the best way to admire the city. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the historic center surrounded by the Tagus River, which forms a meander that embraces the city. The Alcázar of Toledo dominates the upper part of the city. The Primate Cathedral, with its prominent Gothic tower, is also visible. Historic bridges such as the Alcántara Bridge and the San Martín Bridge are also prominent.

The Castle of San Servando is an impressive medieval fortress located in Toledo, next to the Tagus River and very close to the Alcántara Bridge. It is one of the city's most notable monuments due to its history, architecture, and strategic location. Built in 1024 as a monastery during the reign of Alfonso VI.

The Alcántara Bridge is one of Toledo's most iconic monuments, with a history dating back to Roman times and an architecture that has evolved over the centuries. Originally built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD, as part of the network of roads that connected the Empire. Its name comes from the Arabic "al-qanṭarah," meaning "the bridge," given by the Muslims after its reconstruction in the 10th century.

The statue of Federico Martín Bahamontes, also known as The Eagle of Toledo, is located on Paseo del Miradero, in the historic center of Toledo. This monument pays tribute to the first Spanish cyclist to win the Tour de France, in 1959. Unveiling: May 6, 2018, with the presence of Bahamontes himself and other cycling greats such as Miguel Indurain and Pedro Delgado.

Very quiet in this beautiful town in Spain

Monument to a cycling legend in a place with beautiful views of the lower part of Toledo.

When we cross the bridge, we have beautiful views of the Tagus and San Juan de los Reyes. Its date of construction is not known with certainty. It was part of the city's defensive system next to the Alcántara bridge. Built entirely with granite ashlars, it consists of five slightly pointed arches, the central one standing out for its size. It has two defensive towers with an irregular polygonal plan, crenellated, one at each end. The bridge was used as a pontazgo, collecting the various taxes - common in the Middle Ages to finance public works - that were paid for the passage of different goods and migratory livestock, linking the city with the Montes de Toledo region and with Estremadura. In addition, the bridge served the muleteers who transported granite from Ventas con Peña Aguilera, marble from San Pablo de los Montes, charcoal or other products from the area. During the reign of Charles II, at the end of the 17th century, the bridge was partially renovated, widening its entrances and modifying the interior tower, whose door was topped with a large imperial shield flanked by the figures of two seated kings and two stone plaques. that detail the characteristics of the work and its completion date, 1690. A century later, in 1760 and with Charles III as king, the bridge was paved, as indicated by a plaque carved in stone located on the right parapet. It was declared a National Artistic Monument in 1921, supporting the passage of road traffic until 1976, from which date only pedestrian use was allowed.

Crossing this bridge is always impressive, and it has spectacular views of the Alcázar of Toledo and the Castillo de San Servando, especially if you cross it at night. It has a Roman origin. It was built in the 3rd century. The Roman roads that linked Emerita Augusta (Mérida) with Caesar Augusta (Zaragoza) crossed here, as well as those that continued to the east and south passing through Consaburum (Consuegra). The Alcántara Bridge has undergone numerous reconstructions because for centuries it was the main access to the city of Toledo, and, in addition to the movement of people and goods, we must add the damage caused by successive wars, conquests and reconquests. In the 10th century it had to be restored by the Arabs, although from that time only the spur on the side facing the Castle of San Servando remains. Due to a great flood that partially destroyed it, King Alfonso The great tower that overlooks the city belongs to this period. The Catholic Monarchs would also order this tower to be renovated, turning it into a kind of military fortress. The fortified door decorated with the image of San Ildefonso, the patron saint of the city of Toledo, and the shield of the Catholic Monarchs, is precisely one of the most impressive elements of this Bridge.