TOLEDO – Toledo is one of the most visited cities in Spain. The centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. In the old town, you can see several quirks from the past, such as the so-called ‘smallest window in the world’.
This window is located at 6 Sillería Street, more precisely in the wall of the Casón de Los López, a large building dating back to the 16th century and restored in 1973. The micro-window is the size of a cigarette pack and is no bigger than the palm of an adult.
There are various stories about the function of the small window. One tells that it is known as “La Ventana del Sol” or “La Ventana de la Luna” because the noble family who lived there at the time could see the sunrise and sunset through it. It symbolised the passage of time and the transience of life.
According to another interpretation, the window would have served to spy on the neighbours and give residents more information about the city’s gossip.
Lastly, there is another version that involves the famous writer Miguel de Cervantes. When, with the dawn of the 16th century, Toledo lost its status as the capital of Spain, hard times began. Only one restaurant, El Casón de los López, continued to run well. The inn is said to have been regularly visited by the author of Spain’s most famous book Don Quixote, on his travels from Madrid to Andalucia.
The property served as an inn and restaurant for centuries but is currently closed. The municipality wants to carry out renovation work and at the moment there is no operator.
Tourist attraction
Today, the window is a popular tourist attraction in Toledo. Guides lead visitors along it during their city walks. The window symbolises the rich past of the city full of medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments. At the base of the medieval window is an inscription that translates to: “Thank you, Allah.” Others claim that the word Talaytula was written, the former Arabic name of the city.
World record or not?
Although various sources report that it is the smallest window in the world and has been recognised as such by Guinness World Records, we have not been able to verify that fact anywhere. Although it will not be easy to find even smaller windows in Spain. Do you know one? If so, send us an email to info@inspain.news
