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Toledo Cathedral

1 Calle Cardenal Cisneros, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha

Description

Toledo Cathedral (the Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo) is a Roman Catholic church built in High Gothic style in the 13th century. It is widely considered of the most beautiful churches in Spain. Modelled after the Bourges Cathedral (in France), it measures 120m x 59m and reaches nearly 45m in height; unusually, it consists of 5 naves with a double ambulatory. Various artistic and architectural work were added between the 16th and 18th centuries - a period corresponding to the height of Toledo's power. Highlights of the monument include the various portals, the large polychromic retable, the Sacristy with painting and frescoes by Italian and Spanish masters, the Chapterhouse, several chapels, the Baroque altarpiece called "El Transparente", and the precious Monstrance of Arfe (made of gold, silver and jewels).

Access & Transport

The Cathedral is in the centre of Toledo. 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 Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, El Greco Museum, and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.

Meta review

The Cathedral is one of the most famous religious monuments in the country and highly recommended by guidebooks as part of any central Spain itinerary. Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive with many ranking it as one of the best churches they have visited in Europe; In their words, it is full of incredible carvings and works of art with seemingly something interesting to see in every single corner. Using the audio-guide is highly recommended or, even better, hire a guide. The main negative feedback comes as usual from tourists who have an issue with paying for religious temples / monuments.

Environmental & Social

The ongoing environmental footprint is low, and the attraction provides some employments for guides as well as help maintain the city's cultural and architectural heritage

Conclusion

The wealth (literally) or art and decoration within Toledo Cathedral is quite astonishing - in fact it is popularly known as Dives Toletana, meaning "The Rich Toledan" in Latin. It is one of the country's most impressive churches and, in our opinion, worth a detour for anybody in Castilla-La Mancha or Madrid area. Considering the number of other monuments and museums in the city, spending at least one night in town is a good idea.

Key positive

Amazing artwork throughout the building and the various portals

In a city with many top-tier touristic highlights

Key negative

A little expensive for a religious building

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions. There is wheelchair access.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan and 25 Dec + shorter hours on most religious holidays (often 14h00-18h30)

av. transport time:0h 19m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 18:30

Tuesday10:00 - 18:30

Wednesday10:00 - 18:30

Thursday10:00 - 18:30

Friday10:00 - 18:30

Saturday10:00 - 18:30

Sunday14:00 - 18:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€8
Adult
18 - 64
€12
Teen & Young
15 - 17
€8
Child
8 - 14
€6
Infant
0 - 7
€0

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