Puerta del Sol Toledo

The Sun Gate of Toledo (Puerta del Sol) was built by the Knights Hospitaller between the 13th and 14th centuries, although it is said that the original gate may date back to the Taifa Kingdom of the 11th century. Today, though the gate itself no longer remains, the impressive Moorish architecture that defines the Sun Gate of Toledo illuminates what is a popular monument in the city.

Puerta del Sol Toledo History

The city of Toledo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 because of its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. Forming a part of this heritage is the Puerta del Sol Toledo, one of many gates which surround the city, which was built in the late 13th and early 14th centuries by Catholic military order the Knights Hospitaller.

Puerta del Sol Toledo is built in a traditional Mudejar style that was commonplace during Spain’s Moorish era. The gateway is rectangular with a semi-circular top, and the arch entry is horseshoe shaped and is flanked by two towers. The medallion above the gate’s arch depicts Toledo’s patron saint Ildephonsus being ordained whilst placing his cassock under the sun and moon.

The gate is named because of Ildephonsus as well as its Eastern orientation, towards where the sun rises. A sun and a moon were also once painted on either side of the medallion.

Fascinatingly, there are the remains of a Paleochristian sarcophagus from the 4th century in the middle of the blind arches.

Puerta del Sol Toledo Today

Though the entrance is still there, the gate no longer remains. Visitors today can enjoy the detailed architecture and historic heritage of the gate alongside other famous monuments within the city.

Most notably, Toledo is known for the masterpieces by El Greco which are both riddled throughout the city and exhibited in the El Greco Museum. Being such a short drive from Madrid, the city is well worth a visit.

Getting to Puerta del Sol Toledo

The beautiful and historic city of Toledo is a 45 minute drive from Madrid, primarily along the A-42. Within the city itself, the gate is a 7 minute walk from the centre, and can also be reached in about the same time by car.

Visiting the gate is always free of charge.