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Toledo Cathedral

Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain, is ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. Inside, the cathedral contains important masterpieces including a spectacular baroque high altar and two paintings by El Greco.

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History of Toledo Cathedral

Toledo Cathedral stands on the site of the Great Mosque of Toledo, which itself had replaced a Visigothic church. Built from 1226 to 1493, the long process is reflected in Toledo Cathedral's variety of styles.

Many historic events have been hosted in the cathedral over the years, including the proclamation of Joanna the Mad and her husband, Philip the Handsome, as heirs to the throne of Spain.

What to See at Toledo Cathedral

The primarily 13th-century architecture of Toledo cathedral was inspired by the Gothic cathedrals of France such as Chartres, but the squat proportions give it a Spanish feel, as do the wealth and weight of the furnishings and the location of the elaborate choir in the center of the nave.

Quick Facts on Toledo Cathedral

Site Information
Names:Catedral de Toledo · Toledo Cathedral
Categories:cathedrals
Styles:Gothic; Baroque style
Dates:1227-1493
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:39.857129° N, 4.023678° W
Address:Cardenal Cisneros 1
Toledo, Spain
Phone:92-522-22-41
Email:[email protected]
Hours:Mon-Sat 10:30am-6pm; Sun 2-6:30pm
Lodging:View hotels near Toledo Cathedral
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Personal visit (April 2, 2007).
  2. Cathedral of Toledo - Archdiocese of Toledo
  3. Toledo - Cathedral - Planetware (see also Cathedral Map)
  4. Fodor's Spain
  5. Catedral - Frommers.com
  6. Toledo Cathedral - Spain Office of Tourism
  7. Capilla de San Blas de la Catedral de Toledo - Spanish Wikipedia
  8. Transparente - Web Gallery of Art

More Information

Toledo Cathedral by night, viewed from the Parador Nacional de Turismo to the south. © Ram
West front and plaza. The north tower stands 295 feet (90m) high and was built from 1380-1440. The south tower... © Adrian Fletcher
15th-century central portal (Puerta del Perd © Derek DeVries
North transept, with entrance doors and rose window. © Holly Hayes
South transept and rose window. © Holly Hayes
At the heart of the cathedral is the magnificent Coro (choir), with two tiers of carved walnut-wood stalls and... © Holly Hayes
Lower tier of choir stalls in the Coro, which were carved by Rodrigo Alem © Holly Hayes
The famed El Transparente, directly behind the main altar. A wall of marble and florid baroque alabaster... © Holly Hayes
Gate, rood cross and vault of the Capilla Mayor, with a glimpse of its famed altarpiece. © Holly Hayes
The Capilla Mayor, with a huge altarpiece of gilded and painted larchwood (1504) stretching to the ceiling. A... © Holly Hayes
The 15th-century Capilla Santiago (Chapel of St. James) in the east end of the cathedral. The Gothic chapel... © Holly Hayes
A colorful and emotional Lamentation scene on the outer west wall of the Coro. © Holly Hayes
The centerpiece of the Treasure Room is this 500-pound, 10-foot high, 15th-century gilded monstrance. Its... © Holly Hayes

Map of Toledo Cathedral

Below is a location map and aerial view of Toledo Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.