Toledo Churches and Cathedrals

(Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain)

With its rich religious heritage Toledo has several religious buildings, including a cathedral, churches, basilicas and synagogues.

Catedral (Cathedral)

The Gothic tower bedecked with a spire ringed by spikes means that the Cathedral can be espied from any part of Toledo. Construction began in 1226, by the order of Archbishop Jiménez de Rada and the then monarch Fernando III el Santo, and completion was in 1493. The Cathedral houses some marvellous stained glass, delicate wood and stone sculptures, intricate wrought-iron work and a large collection of paintings. A valued possession is the silver and gold monstrance, weighing 180 kilograms / 400 pounds, which is used the day of Corpus Christi (a declared festival of international tourist interest).
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 18:00 (summer until 19:00), Sunday - 10:30 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 18:00 (summer until 19:00)
Admission: charge for entry to closed areas

Iglesia de San Juan de los Reyes (St. John of the Kings Church)

This Gothic-style Franciscan church boasts an ornate cloister and was built on the orders of Fernando and Isabel to celebrate their win in 1476 at the Battle of Toro over the Portuguese. Construction began in 1477, although completion was not until 1606.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 13:45 and 15:30 to 18:00 (summer until 18:45)
Admission: charge

Iglesia de Santo Tomé (St. Thomas' Church)

Address: Plaza del Conde
Housing one of El Greco's most commended paintings, 'El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz' (Burial of the Count of Orgaz).
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 13:45 and 15:30 to 18:00 (summer until 18:45)
Admission: charge

La Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca (St. Mary of the White Synagogue)

Address: Calle de los Reyes Católicos
Once the main 12th-century synagogue in Toledo, La Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca obtained its present title after its conversion to a church. The building's structural similarity to a mosque is explained by the fact that Muslim craftsmen constructed it. The synagogue has had many uses that include being a convent for 'fallen' women, a Catholic chapel and an army barracks.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 18:00 (summer until 19:00)
Admission: charge

La Sinagoga del Tránsito (Synagogue of the Dormition)

Address: Calle de los Reyes Católicos
Permission for construction of the synagogue was authorised in 1355 by Pedro I, since erecting these religious buildings was banned in Spain. Ornately decorated by Muslim artisans, the synagogue has an impressive Cedar of Lebanon ceiling.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, Sunday - closed in the afternoon