Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Toledo
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Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes - by Julio Fernandez Casanova on Google
Description
The Monastery of Saint John of the Monarchs (San Juan de los Reyes) is a Franciscan monastery dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist built in the Isabelline Gothic style in the late 15th century. It was founded by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to celebrate both their victory at the Battle of Toro (part of the War of the Castilian Succession pitting the Catholic Monarchs against the Portuguese-Castilian; both sides claimed victory...) and the birth of their son. The Monastery highlights include the two-level cloister containing Mudejar ornamentation and the reliefs with the coats or arms of the Catholic Monarchs held by eagles. Visitors will be able to access the cloisters and the church.
Access & Transport
The Monastery is on the western side of the centre of Toledo, between the Puerta Del Cambrón and the Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca. The city is a quick 35' train ride from Madrid Atocha Station or 70mins car drive on the A-42 or AP-41/A-40.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this activity with a visit of the rest of the city of Toledo, including some of its most important monuments such as the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar de Toledo, El Greco Museum, and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Preserves the region's architectural and historical heritage.
Conclusion
A visit to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is neither time consuming nor expensive and is an excellent opportunity (for foreign tourists at least) to learn more about the Castilian-Aragonese Catholic Monarchs, the War of the Castilian Succession and the period around the "Reconquista" of Granada. Despite its small size, the cloister is the real draw with some beautiful carvings.
Key positive
Interesting historical background
Not crowded and inexpensive entrance fees
Key negative
Nothing really spectacular
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. The ground floor of the cloister and the church are accessible for wheelchair users but not the upper floor
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Start of Season 1:Mar, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 18:45
TUESDAY10:00 - 18:45
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:45
THURSDAY10:00 - 18:45
FRIDAY10:00 - 18:45
SATURDAY10:00 - 18:45
SUNDAY10:00 - 18:45
Start of Season 2:Oct, 16
MONDAY10:00 - 17:45
TUESDAY10:00 - 17:45
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:45
THURSDAY10:00 - 17:45
FRIDAY10:00 - 17:45
SATURDAY10:00 - 17:45
SUNDAY10:00 - 17:45