The Origin of Marzipan, Convents of Toledo

Toledo, a city full of history, art, traditions, and gastronomy. We invite you to embark on a very special tour of Toledo's convents, where you will discover one of the sweetest treasures of our land: marzipan.

This delicious treat has a long history tied to the city, and some of the best are made within the walls of our convents.

Convent of the Comendadoras of Santiago

We begin our tour at the Convent of the Comendadoras of Santiago, a place with over five centuries of history. This convent, linked to the Order of Santiago, is renowned for the dedication with which its nuns craft traditional sweets, including marzipan. The Comendadoras preserve ancestral recipes, and although they may not be as famous as other convents in Toledo, the quality of their pastries is unparalleled.

The marzipan made here follows the Toledo tradition of blending almonds and sugar, but each convent has its unique touch, and the marzipan from the Comendadoras of Santiago stands out for its soft and delicate texture.

Convent of Santo Domingo el Real

Next, we head to the Convent of Santo Domingo el Real, a place of great spirituality founded in the 14th century. Here, the Dominican nuns continue to make handcrafted marzipan, using the original recipe. It is a place where time seems to have stood still, and traditions remain alive, especially in their confectionery. Did you know that each marzipan here is shaped by hand? Every piece receives special care, like a small edible work of art.

Casa Don Rodrigo de la Fuente

To conclude our visit in the best possible way, we invite you to a marzipan tasting accompanied by wine from the region. The pairing of marzipan, with its soft and delicate sweetness, and the local wines, especially white and sweet wines, is a unique experience. The contrast of textures and flavors elevates this delicious treat, typical of Toledo, to another level.

The setting for the tasting is unparalleled: a private house from the 16th century that once belonged to Don Rodrigo de la Fuente and is declared a Cultural Heritage Site.

Allergens and Warnings

The wines may contain sulfites, histamine, casein, or albumin. On the other hand, marzipan is entirely made of almonds (tree nuts), eggs, and sugar. If you have any intolerance to these compounds or ingredients, please inform the staff before the tasting.

Additionally, alcohol consumption is prohibited for minors. If you are traveling with someone under 18 years old, please contact us to offer an alternative.