Viewpoint on San Servando Castle

The view of the Castle of San Servando

The Toledo audio-guided tour offers you, from the Alcántara bridge, a fine view of the Castle of San Servando, standing on the other bank of the Tagus.

From a monastery to a fortress

The Castle of San Servando was originally built on the ruins of an Arab castle, intended to serve as a monastery in honour of the saints Servando and Germano. But its proximity to the Alcántara bridge, a strategic passage over the Tagus, quickly led to its transformation into a military fortress, ideally placed to protect the city. A fine example of Mudéjar military architecture, it watches from the other bank over the entrance of Toledo. For those who decide to see it more closely, it offers a very fine view over the city and its ramparts.

What there is to see

From the Alcántara bridge, the Castle of San Servando raises its silhouette of a Mudéjar fortress on the other bank of the Tagus, in a fine setting. A witness of the defensive past of Toledo, it offers, to those who approach it, one of the finest views over the city. It is a striking landmark at the entrance of the historic city.

Practical information

The Castle of San Servando stands on the bank of the Tagus opposite the old town of Toledo, near the Alcántara bridge. Its silhouette can be contemplated freely from the bridge; access to the castle depends on its opening, to be checked on site.

What was the original vocation of the Castle of San Servando?

It was to serve as a monastery in honour of the saints Servando and Germano, before being transformed into a military fortress.

Why was the castle transformed into a fortress?

Because of its proximity to the Alcántara bridge, a strategic passage over the Tagus that had to be protected.