Travel to magical Spain
To delve into the more esoteric side of Spain, you don't need to wade through the more than a thousand pages of "Gárgoris y Habidis," the well-known work by Fernando Sánchez Dragó. Simply visit the Museum of Magical Spain in Toledo and, for the modest price of 2 euros, embark on "a fantastic journey through the sacred and the profane." Adding to its allure is its location in an authentic 10th-century Islamic cave.
Located on the central Cardenal Cisneros Street, just steps from Toledo Cathedral and very close to our hotel, the museum houses an interesting collection of objects, artifacts, and documents related to the most superstitious and legendary aspects of Spain. Among its highlights are mandrake root, protective figas (small figs), representations of mythical figures such as the Trasgo (Goblin), the Cuélebre (a dragon-like creature), and the Hombre de Palo (Wooden Man), as well as various magical texts that offer a glimpse into a cultural tradition distinct from the official religions.
But the experience doesn't end inside the museum. Associated with this space are the nighttime walks through Magical and Heterodox Toledo, one of the most unique ways to discover the city after dark. It's advisable to check the schedule beforehand, as each day usually offers a different route.
Among the proposals, the highlight is “Legends and Mysteries of Hidden Toledo”, a night tour that starts at 8:30 pm and includes, for 12 euros per person, a visit to the Museum of Magical Spain and its famous Islamic cave.
Furthermore, to commemorate the fourth centenary of El Greco's death, a special route dedicated to the painter and his unique artistic universe was created. The tour focuses on the so-called "Dracos of El Greco," a series of paintings with a distinctly dreamlike quality that have inspired numerous interpretations. The activity begins in a studio provided exclusively by art expert Fernando Barredo de Valenzuela. The visit lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes place every Friday and Saturday, for both individuals and groups, starting at 7:00 p.m., at a price of €13 per person.
Toledo has many faces: the historical, the monumental, the gastronomic… and also a more mysterious and legendary one. Discovering it is another way to get closer to the lesser-known soul of a city that never ceases to amaze.