Taking advantage of our trip to Zamora and Lake Sanabria, we decided to stop along the way to visit a city that we heard wonderful things about: Toro . This post is to encourage you to visit it and for this we bring you the best 10 things to see and do in Toro .
We already told you that, thanks to a historic center capable of transporting you back to the Middle Ages and its famous and powerful wines that, according to legend, were the first to arrive in the New World, this jewel of Castile and León leaves no one indifferent.
Ready to take a tour?
What to see and do in Toro in one day
Although Toro is not well known outside the wine-making environment, this small Castilian town is a pleasure for all five senses . You can easily visit it in one morning, although we recommend spending a little more time to take advantage of and visit one of its many wineries. Do you feel like visiting it? Here are 10 essential things to do in Toro:
1. Collegiate church of Santa Maria la Mayor
Visit the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor . This Romanesque collegiate church, which began to be built in the 12th century, is undoubtedly the main attraction of the city. The dome is spectacular, as is the Puerta de la Majestad (or Portico de la Gloria) which preserves the original polychromy. Thus, the figures that can be seen on the columns and archivolts are covered with a curious layer of colour, not common in this type of portico.
2. Corredera Street and Market Gate Street
Stroll along Calle Corredera and Calle Puerta del Mercado , the main streets of the historic centre, cobbled and full of typical houses, arcades and terraces where you can enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas. You will also find one of the murals spread throughout the city, which depicts a bull and a lion ... The most curious thing is that they all have one thing in common: a fly !
And that? It is a nod to one of the paintings that can be seen in the sacristy of the Collegiate church in which a Virgin has a super realistic fly painted on her knee.
3. Espolón Walk
Right in front of the Collegiate Church there is a promenade that offers spectacular views of the Duero and the valley surrounding the city: the Paseo del Espolón . It is best to take a few minutes to walk along it at your leisure and enjoy the panoramic view. And if you stay in Toro overnight, we can't think of a better place to watch the sunset...
4. Alcazar of the city
Continue your walk westwards to reach the old city fortress , which today houses the tourist office. It was built in the 10th century for defensive and residential purposes (the Catholic Monarchs lived here) and is undoubtedly one of the unequivocal symbols of the importance of Toro as a city in the Middle Ages.
In the adjacent square you can see the famous Verraco Celtibérico (or Toro de Piedra), a monolith that represents a Bull and gave its name to this city in Castile and León.
5. Bullring of Toro
We didn't get to see it (the truth is that we are not bullfighting fans at all), but the Toro Bullring is one of the oldest in all of Spain and, according to a family member (and an expert, it must be said), it is one of the most beautiful in the country. Looking at the photos of its interior, we think that it is, at least, curious!
6. Clock Tower
Another symbol of the city is the beautiful and imposing Clock Tower (or Clock Arch), located in the heart of Toro, where Calle Corredera joins Calle Puerta del Mercado. It was built in 1719 by order of Philip V on the site where one of the city gates once opened.
7. Other buildings to see in Toro
Do you have a special interest in Romanesque churches and palaces that seem to come straight from the Middle Ages? Then you have to take a tour that includes these stops:
- the Monastery of Sancti Spiritus el Real ,
- the Church of San Salvador de los Caballeros ,
- the Church of San Lorenzo el Real ,
- the Church of San Sebastian de los Caballeros ,
- the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- the Convent of Santa Sofia .
And remember to always look at the roofs, because you are sure to see a pair of storks 😉
8. Try the wine, a must-do in Toro
We cannot forget its wine , with a lot of character (or rather, strong strong), which has earned the reputation of being one of the best wines in Spain. Make the most of your visit to have one or two in one of its taverns or bars. And if it coincides with your visit, take part in the Harvest Festival , in October, when the city goes back in time and remembers past traditions.
9. Visit to a winery + wine tasting
However, if you really want to put the finishing touch to your visit to Toro, visit one of the many wineries spread across the fields near the Duero River, which offer guided tours and tastings, and some even offer tasting menus .
We opted for the “Divina Proporción” winery and enjoyed the typical cuisine of its restaurant. We went with Rober’s parents and uncles and we did the 2:00 pm visit and, after learning more about the winemaking process and getting to know the history of the winery and all the wines it produces, we were able to try typical dishes from Zamora such as patatas a la importante, arroz a la Zamorana and also classics such as fried egg with potatoes, cheek and oxtail. All accompanied by two of the house’s star wines: 24 mozas and Madre mía. Price of guided tour and food + drink = €20.
Other wineries in Toro that can be visited with prior reservation are (we leave you the link to make the reservation online):
- Bigardo Wineries
- Fariña Winery
- Villachica Palace Winery
- Rodriguez and Sanzo de Toro Wineries
- Piedra Winery
10. King's Payments Museum
Not far from Toro, in Morales de Toro, there is a museum that will delight all wine lovers: the Pagos del Rey Museum , entirely dedicated to wine, its history and everything surrounding Bacco's favourite drink. For €8 you get entry to the museum + guided tour + wine tasting and tapas.
Here are our recommendations of things to see and do in Toro to spend a great day! We were really surprised and we left wanting to come back with more time… Hopefully we can do it soon.
