Toro is a wine town with a magnificent church. The Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor is a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece — its western portal, the Pórtico de la Majestad, retains original polychrome paint on its carved figures, making it one of the most vivid examples of medieval architectural color in Spain. The interior is equally impressive.
The town sits on a bluff above the Duero, and the views from the Mirador del Espolón are sweeping. Toro's wines — big, powerful reds made primarily from the Tinta de Toro grape (a local variant of Tempranillo) — have gained international recognition. You'll find them in every bar in town, and they're at their best with the local grilled meats.
Toro has all basic services — restaurants, accommodation, supermarkets, pharmacy. It's the most rewarding town between Medina del Campo and Zamora, and worth an overnight stop.
Toro has been strategically important since Roman times. The Battle of Toro (1476) secured the throne of Castile for Isabel la Católica and Ferdinand. The Laws of Toro (1505) codified Castilian inheritance law and remained in force for centuries. The town's wines were famous in the Middle Ages — they were reportedly served to Columbus's crew and traveled well on long voyages.
