Toledo doesn’t just fascinate with its ancient walls, cobbled streets and majestic cathedral. Beneath the city beats another hidden world: a labyrinth of caves, passageways and secret chambers that hold centuries of stories. Did you know that beneath your feet lies another “underground city”? Exploring the subterranean caves of Toledo means stepping into a medieval legacy filled with mystery, legend and traces of the civilisations that shaped its history.

The origins of Toledo’s caves: between history and legend

The beginnings of these galleries go back to very ancient times. Some structures are believed to date from the Roman period, when they were used as temples, baths or cisterns to store water. Later, during Arab rule and the splendour of the Middle Ages, many were adapted for defensive or religious purposes, or even as refuges during times of war. Some say that they also served as secret hideouts for religious orders, or as tunnels linking churches and palaces. Fact or myth? Toledo preserves both within its walls.

The Cave of Hercules: myth and archaeology

The most famous of all is undoubtedly the Cave of Hercules. Linked to ancient foundation legends, this space was for centuries thought to be a magical place that concealed forbidden secrets. Archaeological studies, however, reveal that it was actually part of a Roman cistern used to supply water. Today it can be visited in Callejón de San Ginés, and it remains one of the clearest examples of how history and myth intertwine in Toledo.

Roman baths and hidden cellars

Beneath the streets of the old town you can still find remains of Roman baths, proof of Toledo’s importance in Roman Hispania. Some of these spaces lie hidden under present-day buildings, such as cellars converted into wine stores or storerooms, where recent excavations have revealed mosaics and fascinating structures. Walking through Toledo really is like walking over layers of history.

Arab baths: echoes of Andalusi splendour

The Muslims also left their mark on underground Toledo. A fine example is the Baños del Ángel, one of the few that survive in the city, carefully restored to show what these spaces of hygiene and social life were like. Wandering through its rooms allows you to understand daily life in Andalusi Toledo, where water and architecture combined in a ritual of cleanliness, spirituality and community.

Secret passageways and defensive uses

Legends tell of underground tunnels linking churches, convents and palaces, used as escape routes in wartime or as hidden corridors for religious orders. Although many of these passageways have disappeared or remain closed, some can still be visited on guided tours, offering a fascinating glimpse into how Toledo’s underground world also served as a stage for intrigue and military strategy.

Casa del Duende: where fantasy comes alive

Not everything beneath Toledo is documented history. There is also room for darker legends. The Casa del Duende is shrouded in mystery, with popular tradition speaking of pacts with the devil, strange apparitions and unexplained events. These places have fuelled the imagination of generations and today attract lovers of mystery and nocturnal tours.

How to visit Toledo’s underground caves

Many of these caves and passageways form part of tourist itineraries organised by guides specialising in hidden Toledo. Local companies offer tours that combine history, archaeology and legend, granting access to spaces normally closed to the public. Some, such as the Cave of Hercules or the Baños del Ángel, have visiting hours managed by the City Council or cultural institutions. The best option is to book a guided tour, so you don’t miss the most striking corners and gain a deeper understanding of their historical context.

Toledo beneath the surface: a different journey

Visiting Toledo’s underground

caves is about discovering the city from another perspective. It’s not just about strolling its medieval streets, but about descending into the very heart of a place where history and myth walk hand in hand. Every step down takes you closer to a vibrant past, where Romans, Arabs and Christians each left their mark.

Will you dare to uncover the Toledo hidden beneath the ground?