THE PRIMATIAL CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MARY OF TOLEDO
TOLEDO, SPAIN
The recapture of Toledo from Muslim forces in 1085 was one of the key moments in the Christian Reconquista of Spain. On taking the city King Alfonso VI declared that the rights of the city’s Muslim citizens would be respected. Almost immediately, though, Toledo’s main mosque was torn down and the present cathedral was built on the site.
Toledo’s cathedral is considered to be one of the great masterpieces of 13th century High Gothic style. While there are undoubtedly French influences in the design of the cathedral there are also aspects of Mudejar artistry – Mudejar art incorporated the geometric style of Islamic art into traditional European crafts.
Once visitors enter the cathedral, whether through the Portal of Forgiveness or the Portal of Hell, they will find richly ornamented chapels and vaulted ceilings. Altars and paintings show the heights that Gothicinfluenced art reached in the Late Medieval period. Those in search of Renaissance paintings will find works by Titian, El Greco and Caravaggio.
Open Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 18:30; Sunday: 14:30 to 18:30. Tickets: €10