The Cathedral of Toledo is an impressive Gothic monument built in the 13th century on top of a 6th century mosque and the old Visigothic cathedral. It is the opus magnum of the Spanish Gothic and is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest and a World Heritage Site. It has five naves, an ambulatory and 88 columns and 72 vaults. The 90 meter tower offers a panoramic view of Toledo. It houses numerous works of art, including the Main Chapel with a flowery Gothic altarpiece and the Renaissance tomb of Cardenal Mendoza, the Chapel of the New Kings where the Trastámara kings are buried. The Cathedral is part of the Archdiocese of Toledo and has a Primate Council, Chapter archive and library, chapels and Hispano-Mozarabic rite. Toledo is a tourist city with numerous monuments, museums, tourist routes, legends and traditions, leisure and shopping options, as well as events and festivals. There is a complete tourist guide and updated agenda available online.
Getting to the Cathedral of Toledo by taxi
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History of the Cathedral of Toledo
The Visigothic Cathedral
The history of the Cathedral of Toledo goes back to the 6th century, when a Visigothic cathedral was built in the same place where the Gothic cathedral now stands. This cathedral witnessed important events in the history of Spain, such as the enthronement of numerous Visigothic kings, including the famous Euric.
The mosque
With the arrival of the Arabs in the year 711, the Visigothic cathedral was destroyed and a mosque was built in its place. During the following centuries, the mosque became an important center of religious and cultural life in Toledo.
The construction of the Gothic Cathedral
In the 13th century, after the reconquest of Toledo by the Christians, construction began on the Gothic cathedral that we can see today. Construction took several centuries, and although the cathedral was nearly complete by the 15th century, some renovations took place in later centuries. This cathedral was built in the same place where the old Visigothic cathedral and the mosque were located. It was an ambitious project, which sought to create an impressive Gothic cathedral that would be emblematic of Toledo and the entire country. For this, the master stonemasons of the time, experts in Gothic architecture, were commissioned to build a large cathedral that would stand out for its elegance and beauty. The construction of the cathedral involved a large investment on the part of the Church and the different social classes of the time, and many of them actively collaborated in the work, which can be seen in the numerous details and decorations found in the cathedral. Cathedral. Even today, the Cathedral of Toledo remains an outstanding example of Spanish Gothic architecture, and is one of the most visited and admired monuments in the entire country.
Description of the Cathedral of Toledo
The Cathedral of Toledo is an impressive work of art that attracts visitors from all over the world. It has numerous sections and chapels, each one adorned with masterpieces dating back centuries. The most relevant sections within the Cathedral are described below.
Main wall and fat bell
The exterior of the Cathedral is an architectural marvel, with an imposing and elegant main façade. The Campana Gorda stands out in it, which is one of the largest in Spain and which became famous for its tolls during the War of Independence.
Chapels and Choir Chapter House
Inside the Cathedral, we can find a large number of chapels and a magnificent Choir Chapterhouse, which is an authentic jewel of Mudejar art. The chapels house different works of art and altars, but the magnificent altarpieces of some of them stand out.
Transparent and Custody of Enrique de Arfe
The Transparent is one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Baroque and is located in the central nave of the Cathedral. It is a true jewel that combines light with sculpture and painting. You can also admire the Custody of Enrique de Arfe, an impressive piece of goldsmithing made in the 16th century and one of the most valuable in the Cathedral Treasury.
Main Chapel and Renaissance Tomb of Cardinal Mendoza
Another of the sections that cannot be overlooked is the Capilla Mayor, with its impressive flowery Gothic altarpiece dating from the 15th century, a truly colossal work of art. In addition, in this chapel is the Renaissance Tomb of Cardinal Mendoza, an authentic masterpiece of funerary sculpture.
Chapel of the New Kings
The Chapel of the New Kings, for its part, is another of the chapels with the greatest artistic value in the Toledo Cathedral complex. In it are the tombs of the Kings of the Trastámara dynasty, as well as a series of frescoes that are impressive due to their enormous beauty and the quality of their execution.
Hispano-Mozarabic rite and liturgical calendar
The Archdiocese of Toledo and the Primate Chapter
Toledo is a city of great importance in the religious field, and its Cathedral is the main temple of the Archdiocese of Toledo. This archdiocese was founded in the 4th century and is one of the oldest in Spain. In addition, the Cathedral of Toledo is the Cabildo Primado de España, which means that it is the main church of this ecclesiastical organization.
The capitular library and the Treasury of the Cathedral
The Cathedral also has a chapter library that has an important collection of manuscripts and old books. The Treasury of the Cathedral is another outstanding part of it, including valuable works of art and ceremonial objects. The monstrance of Enrique de Arfe, a masterpiece of medieval art, and the small monstrance made of pure gold stand out.
The Sacristy and small monstrance made of pure gold
The sacristy of the Cathedral of Toledo is the place where the liturgical objects necessary for the celebration of mass and other religious rites are kept. A reliquary in the form of a golden door stands out especially. Likewise, the Treasury of the Cathedral has a marvel made of pure gold, the small monstrance, which is a purely religious work of art.
Important celebrations: Holy Week, Corpus Christi and Easter
In Toledo, religious celebrations are very important. Holy Week in Toledo is known throughout the world for its processions and the active participation of the population. During Corpus Christi, the streets of Toledo are decorated with carpets of plants and flowers to accompany the Corpus procession. Finally, Easter is one of the most important periods of the liturgical calendar, and important ceremonies are held in the Cathedral to commemorate the Resurrection of Christ. The Cathedral of Toledo is an impressive monument, as well as being a place of great religious and cultural importance. Its history, its architecture, its works of art and its traditions make this place an essential visit for tourists and believers.
Guided tours and special schedules in Toledo
Guided tours in the Cathedral of Toledo
If you want to discover more about the magnificent Cathedral of Toledo, we recommend taking a guided tour. In it, you will be able to learn the history and secrets of this impressive Gothic monument, and you will discover architectural details that perhaps you had not appreciated. During the visit, a specialized guide will take you through the different sections of the cathedral, such as the Main Chapel, the Mudejar-style Chapter House and the Treasury, where you can appreciate the imposing Custody of Enrique de Arfe. In addition, you will be able to admire the beauty of the Transparente, a Churrigueresque masterpiece by Narciso Tomé. Guided tours are available regularly throughout the day, and typically last between one and two hours. Hours may vary depending on the season, so check availability when planning your visit. If you want to guarantee yourself a place on a guided tour, we recommend booking in advance.
Times of masses and visits in the Cathedral
The Cathedral of Toledo is an active place of worship, so masses are celebrated on a regular basis. If you want to attend a mass in the cathedral, you can check the schedule of masses on the official website of the Archdiocese of Toledo. Arranged visits are also made for school groups, tourists, congressmen, etc. If you wish to visit the cathedral on your own, however, the hours may vary slightly depending on the season. In general, the cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you have the opportunity to visit Toledo during Holy Week, we recommend that you check the special schedules for these dates.
Toledo Card, an option to save on your visit
If you plan to visit Toledo and see all its monuments, museums and places of interest, we suggest that you consider purchasing the Toledo Card. This tourist card includes free or discounted access to more than 20 tourist attractions in Toledo, including the Toledo Cathedral, the El Greco Museum, the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery and many others. The Toledo Card also includes a guided tour of the city and other discounts and special benefits. There are several duration options, from 24 hours to 3 days, and prices vary depending on the option chosen. In general, if you plan to visit several attractions in Toledo, the Toledo Card may be an affordable option for you.
Toledo: Sights, museums, tourist routes and gastronomy
Sights and museums of Toledo
Toledo is a city of great historical and heritage wealth. Its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a true treasure that houses numerous essential monuments and museums. Among the most outstanding monuments are the Alcazar de Toledo, the Plaza de Zocodover, the Puerta Bisagra and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. It is also essential to visit the El Greco Museum, which houses an important collection of works by the Cretan painter, and the Sephardic Museum, which exhibits an important collection of objects related to Jewish culture. In addition to these monuments, Toledo has numerous churches and convents of great historical and artistic importance, such as the Church of Santo Tomé, the Church of Santiago del Arrabal and the Convent of Santa Clara.
Tourist routes through the city
The city of Toledo offers a large number of tourist routes to discover its most emblematic points from different perspectives. One of the essential visits is the Don Quixote Route, which takes us through the main settings that inspired Miguel de Cervantes in his masterpiece. We can also do the Route of the Templars, which takes us through the traces left by the Order of the Temple in the city, or the Route of El Greco, which allows us to discover the places where the famous Cretan painter lived and worked. In addition, it is possible to do night routes through the city, which allow us to discover Toledo in a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
Toledo gastronomy and the best restaurants in the city
The gastronomy of Toledo is one of its greatest attractions, and is characterized by the quality of its raw materials and the richness of its culinary tradition. Among the most typical dishes of the city are roast suckling pig, carcamusas (a beef stew with vegetables), migas toledanas and ajo arriero. In addition, Toledo is known for its excellent wines and its famous marzipan, which is made by hand in numerous pastry shops in the city. In Toledo we can find a great variety of restaurants and bars where you can taste the local gastronomy. Some of the best restaurants in the city are La Abadía de Toledo, Adolfo or Mesón La Orza. In addition, it is possible to enjoy Toledo gastronomy in numerous taverns and tapas bars spread throughout the city.
Events and festivals in Toledo
Cultural agenda: theater, dance and exhibitions in Toledo
Toledo is a city that offers a wide variety of cultural options, and the calendar of cultural events is very complete. If you are a theater lover, Toledo is the perfect place for you, as it has several theaters where plays of all kinds are performed: from comedies to historical dramas. In addition, in Toledo there are also many art exhibitions, both by contemporary artists and by classics from art history. Dance also plays an important role in Toledo’s cultural agenda, with contemporary and traditional dance festivals being held at different times of the year. Do not miss the cultural events at the Teatro de Rojas or at the Círculo de Arte de Toledo.
Terraces, wineries and concerts in Toledo
Do you like to enjoy a good glass of wine? Toledo has a great wine tradition and is famous for its wineries and terraces, where you can taste the best wines of the region accompanied by tapas and pintxos. In addition, there are also open-air concerts organized on some of these terraces, which will allow you to enjoy good music in a relaxed and quiet environment. There is no better way to end a day of sightseeing in Toledo than enjoying a terrace with views and good live music.
Conclusions
The Cathedral of Toledo is an architectural and religious jewel that cannot be missed during your visit to the city. Its majesty and rich history make it an unmissable destination for lovers of art and culture. Thanks to our taxi service in Toledo, you can quickly and comfortably reach this impressive monument. Get in touch online or by phone now to book the taxi service.