You should include a trip to Museum Of Santa Cruz if you’re planning a holiday to Spain. This museum is located in the ancient city of Toledo. A beautiful town set on a hill overlooking the pastoral plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain, Museum Of Santa Cruz is a prized possession of this city’s landscape. It’s difficult to imagine this exquisite 16th-century Renaissance structure in the Plaza de Zocodover was once an expansive and esteemed hospital. Boasting a finely detailed and ornate plateresque portico, this intriguing museum is filled with beautiful arts and ceramics to make your eyes pop. To enjoy this tourist attraction to the fullest we’ve put together a guide to Museum of Santa Cruz, Toledo.
Things to do / highlights
Cross-shaped gallery
Located on the ground floor, guests can admire a large gallery laid out in the shape of a cross! This amazing piece of artwork by Spanish architect and sculptor Alonso de Covarrubia captivates the imagination. Displayed at one end is El Greco’s Sagrada Familia con Santa Ana. The piece blends so perfectly as a stunning altarpiece you’ll study it for hours. This museum is keen on placing the wide variety of sculpture and art exhibitions into their historical context via explanatory boards - which is a great user-friendly approach.
Visigothic art
Found in the Archeology section of the museum are wonderful pieces of Visigothic art. From mysterious graves to interesting altars, and more, this splendid mix of Roman traditions and Byzantine influences are worthy of exploration.
El Greco art
The Fine Arts section showcases pieces from the16th and 17th century. Stroll the gallery and you’ll discover many excellent paintings of El Greco like “The Assumption of the Virgin”. No doubt this collection of El Greco masterpieces is a big draw for this museum and is probably why it is easily considered one of the top local museums in the country. Plus visitors get an intimate view of some of this acclaimed artist’s mesmerizing work.
Cloister
To view the vast, colorful, and beautiful ceramics collection on the first floor, visitors must pass through the cloister area. Do yourself a favor and make sure at some point you sit on one of the benches and enjoy the serenity of this space. Robust and attractive, this cloister features high dramatic arches and lots of pretty, well-manicured greenery. The ideal place for reflection and relaxation.
Covarrubias palace staircase
Take time to study the gorgeous grand, marble staircase replete with delicate and ornate decorative features - also engineered by Alonso de Covarrubias. Other architectural gems to watch for are handsome eye-catching carved and painted Renaissance and Mudejar coffered ceilings.
Travelers tips
Check the calendar
Be aware the Museum of Santa Cruz is closed on the following dates: January 1, May 1, and December 25 so plan your visit accordingly.
Free days
This museum offers complimentary admission on May 18 and May 31. It takes about two hours to view all the exhibits.
Busiest days
Museum Of Santa Cruz experiences its busiest days on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. So, if you want to avoid crowds opt for other days of the week.
How to get there
Rent a car
For tourists who want to rent a car and drive, Museum of Santa Cruz is located at the following address: Calle Miguel de Cervantes, 3, 45001 Toledo, Spain.
Bus
If you choose to take the bus, Toledo’s city bus lines 5 and 6 will get you to the Museum of Santa Cruz. When you arrive pass underneath the granite archway on the eastern edge of Plaza de Zocodover and walk one block. If you arrive from out of town by bus, the nearby bus station is Estacion de Autobuses de Toledo and is situated 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) from this attraction.
Train
The Museum of Santa Cruz is a wonderful day trip for tourists. You can travel by train from Madrid to Toledo in about 30 minutes. There are no less than eight trains a day leaving Madrid for Toledo and each depart approximately every two and a half hours. When you arrive, the Toledo railway station is only 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) to the museum.
Taxi
You can get there the easy way by hailing a taxi off the streets or arranging for a taxi pick-up at +971 4 208 0808.
Walk
This museum is located in the historic quarter that’s been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it would be a shame not to explore this area on foot. While strolling why not stop by the museum. This ancient section is impressive: the layout has remained the same since medieval times.
Parking information
With the Museum of Santa Cruz situated in the city’s Plaza de Zocodovercenter area parking can be very limited if not impossible. A covered parking garage is available at Calle Gerardo Lobo, S/N, 45001 Toledo, Spain and you can reserve a spot online if you prefer.
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How to book tickets
You can get your tickets from a third-party website or online at the official website.
Museum of Santa Cruz information
Museum of Santa Cruz information
Address: Calle Miguel de Cervantes, 3, 45001 Toledo, Spain
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 3pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm
Cost: 5 USD
Official website: Museum of Santa Cruz
Department of tourism: Visit Spain
History
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