Alcazar of Toledo

The Alcázar of Toledo is the fortress that presides over the city of Toledo. Built at the highest point in the city, it has been an important strategic location since the 3^rd century AC, when the Romans built a fortress in the same location. The Alcázar was rebuilt under Charles I (also known as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) and his heir Philip II during the 1540s.

Toledo has been a site of great importance to the history of Spain and the Alcázar was the political and military heart of the city. Toledo was declared the capital of Spain in 1519 and remained as such until 1561 and during this time the Alcázar of Toledo was essentially the countries main government building. The Alcázar was the site where Charles I received the “conquistador” Hernán Cortés after he returned from South America having conquered the Aztec empire.

During the Spanish Civil War, the Alcázar was again a site of great strategic value and was used as a military base. Most of the fortification had to be rebuilt after the conflict because of the damage the building received. The Alcázar was the focal point of an infamous siege during this time when troops loyal to General Franco barricaded themselves within the citadel and held of Republican troops for 2 months until re-enforcements arrived.

The Alcázar is currently is an important government building and contains the war museum of Toledo.