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Square · Toledo, Castela-Mancha
Plaza de Zocodover
Main square of the old town, whose name comes from Arabic and means market for pack animals. It is a meeting point for locals, featuring the Arco de la Sangre and the terminus for the buses that climb up from the station.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plaza de Zocodover
The name comes from the Arabic sūq ad-dawābb, market of pack animals. For centuries it was Toledo's main square: there were markets, bullfights, festivals and also autos-da-fé of the Inquisition and public executions.
After a fire on October 29, 1589, the square was rebuilt. Part of it was designed by Juan de Herrera, architect to Felipe II, and the buildings with arcades on one side date from that period. At the beginning of the 17th century houses that obstructed the view were demolished to open up the square.
On the east side is the Arco de la Sangre, the passage to Calle de Cervantes and the Museo de Santa Cruz. Miguel de Cervantes mentions Zocodover in several texts.
Today the square has cafés with outdoor tables and is the arrival point for the city buses that come up from the train station. The streets Comercio and Sillería provide the main connections to the cathedral and the rest of the historic center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes, or the time for a coffee.
Best time
In the late afternoon and evening, when tour groups have usually left and locals occupy the bars and terraces.
How to get there
The city buses that depart from the train station terminate here. On foot, it is about 2 km from the station, crossing the Puente de Alcántara and uphill. Those arriving via the Puerta Nueva de Bisagra climb for about ten minutes.
Tip
Use the square as a reference point: if you get lost in the streets of the historic center, go uphill and you will almost always reach Zocodover. The shops in the area sell Toledo marzipan, an almond sweet typical of the city.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza de Zocodover
What does Zocodover mean?
It comes from the Arabic sūq ad-dawābb, market of pack animals, because that market used to operate there.
How to get to the square from the train station?
By city bus, which leaves in front of the station and ends at the square, or by taxi. On foot it's about 2 km, with a steep climb at the end.
Is it a good place to eat?
There are cafés and restaurants in the square and surrounding streets. Remember that lunch usually starts after 1:30 pm and dinner after 9:00 pm.