Palacio de Galiana (Galiana Palace), Toledo
The Galiana Palace, located on the banks of the Tagus River in Toledo, is a Mudéjar palace with a rich history. Originally built in the 11th century by Al Ma'mun, the famous Islamic monarch, the palace was called "Almunia Regia" or the King's orchard in Arabic. The palace has witnessed many romantic love stories throughout its existence, including one between the French Emperor Charlemagne and the beautiful Galiana, daughter of the Moorish King Galafré.
In the 13th century, the palace was rebuilt by King Alfonso X of Castile on the site of an earlier summer villa and garden of Al-Mamun. The garden area around the palace, known as the 'Al-Munya al-Na‘ura' or the Water Wheel Orchard, was home to a botanical garden of the pharmacologist Ibn al-Wafid and was famous for its irrigation works, the ruins of which can still be seen today. The garden may have also been the location of a water clock constructed by Al-Zarqali.
Over time, the Palacio de Galiana fell into disrepair. However, from the 1950s onwards, it was restored and its present garden was designed by architects Manuel Gómez Moreno and Fernando Chueca Goitía under the auspices of its owner Carmen Marañón. Today, the palace and its surrounding garden offer beautiful views of Toledo, and visitors can marvel at the intricate Mudéjar architecture that characterizes the palace.
In the 13th century, the palace was rebuilt by King Alfonso X of Castile on the site of an earlier summer villa and garden of Al-Mamun. The garden area around the palace, known as the 'Al-Munya al-Na‘ura' or the Water Wheel Orchard, was home to a botanical garden of the pharmacologist Ibn al-Wafid and was famous for its irrigation works, the ruins of which can still be seen today. The garden may have also been the location of a water clock constructed by Al-Zarqali.
Over time, the Palacio de Galiana fell into disrepair. However, from the 1950s onwards, it was restored and its present garden was designed by architects Manuel Gómez Moreno and Fernando Chueca Goitía under the auspices of its owner Carmen Marañón. Today, the palace and its surrounding garden offer beautiful views of Toledo, and visitors can marvel at the intricate Mudéjar architecture that characterizes the palace.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toledo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Palacio de Galiana (Galiana Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palacio de Galiana (Galiana Palace)
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Toledo, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Toledo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toledo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Toledo Introduction Walking Tour
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In 546, the early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In 546, the early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
El Greco's Masterpieces
Domnnikos Theotokopoulos, most widely known as El Greco or "The Greek," was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. El Greco was well ahead of his time. His dramatic and expressionistic style is regarded as a precursor of both Expressionism and Cubism of the 20th century.
El Greco was born in Crete, Greece, and studied painting in Italy. In 1577, he... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
El Greco was born in Crete, Greece, and studied painting in Italy. In 1577, he... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Toledo's Ancient Walls, Gates and Bridges
Other than its signature “Toledo steel”, the Spanish city of Toledo is known for its historic architecture, particularly the ancient mammoth fortifications – a testament to the strength of the city that has maintained its borders for well over a thousand years.
Toledo's soaring walls were first built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and then further expanded, over the following... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Toledo's soaring walls were first built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and then further expanded, over the following... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles