I so desperately wanted to give this 5 stars but had a hard time even giving it 3 stars. From our hotel it was quite a haul up a ton of stairs to get here on a cold windy November day. It was free to visit but alas, you get what you paid for. Obviously we did not read the other reviews that everything that you actually go to see is closed. There are old ruins to take a look at as you ride the escalator that last as long the escalator ride. The only reason that I gave it 3 stars is the exterior is wonderful to look at and you also get a great view from the grounds of the surrounding area. Maybe this place will be finished before the Sagrada Familia. My advice is to set your expectations low so you are not disappointed. Sort of enjoy.

We were just not having a good visit to Toledo as the Alcazar was the next spot that was only partially accessible. Luckily they waived admission. The following temporary exhibitions or areas were the only ones available during our visit: Outdoors we passed by the cafe with its helicopter and through the fog saw tanks, a huge slab of steel used for firing practice and the Monumento a la Gesta del Alcazar. Parade Ground was accessed after walking completely around the Alcazar. It was an indoor courtyard but not much to see except for a statue of Carlos V and some cannons. Excavations gave us a view of what the Alcazar was built over with some portions dating back to the Moors and Romans. Temporary exhibition hall featured displays of weapons, mannequins dressed in their war gear from different time periods. At the end there was an interesting section about the Spanish in the Philippines but details were printed in Spanish only. Hopefully the museum reopens soon.

We had a free hour in Toledo and to pass the time we entered the Museum, knowing that the historic Alcazar was closed due to a fire. We were pleasantly surprised! Inside there were two temporary exhibitions, one on music in the army and one on the development of armies over the centuries. Both were interesting. However the real highlight were the archaeological remains of the fortresses which preceded the present Alcazar and which have been buried for years. Roman, Moorish and Visigothic remains can be seen from viewing platforms accessed via escalator. You then exit the museum and walk round the 4 restored façades of the Alcazar (which was reduced to rubble in the Spanish Civil War) and access the central patio via the Covarrubias façade showing how the castle appeared in the times of the Emperor Charles V. Admission is free.