Guided Tour of the Cathedral of Toledo

There are many places and details that are hidden and worth seeing in the Primate Cathedral, but we are going to recommend some points of the interior that we will show you on this route and that no visitor should miss. The cathedral began to be built in the year 1226, thanks to King Ferdinand III the Saint and Archbishop Jiménez de Rada.

The Chapel of the Descent

Place where, possibly, the altar of the Visigothic basilica of Santa María was located. It was in this same place where, according to tradition, the patron saint of Toledo, San Ildefonso, received the chasuble from the hands of the Virgin.

You will be able to observe, through a fence, the stone that the Virgin stepped on when she came down from heaven.

The altarpiece that can be seen is made of alabaster, the work of Alonso de Covarrubias. You will find this chapel at the foot of the Cathedral, next to the doors of the main façade. The chapel stands out for being free.

The Cloister of the Cathedral of Toledo

Located on what was the old Alcaná, Jewish market. It was built thanks to Archbishop Pedro Tenorio, in the 14th century. You will be struck by the silence that reigns inside as well as the frescoes by Francisco Bayeu and Mariano Salvador Maella.

It is in this place where, every August 15, Toledoans drink from the jugs, for the festival of the Virgen del Sagrario, a great Toledo tradition. You will also find the door known as the Door of the Lost Child or Mollete.

This second name is due to the fact that, every day in this place, a muffin of bread was given as alms.

And, surrounding the cloister, you will find the Chapel of San Blas, where the Archbishop Don Pedro Tenorio and the Bishop of Palencia Arias Balboa remain buried. You will be impressed by the paintings that decorate this chapel, today greatly affected by humidity.

The Choir of the Cathedral of Toledo

You will enter through the large Domingo de Céspedes gate, from the 16th century. You will see that, in the choir stalls, there is a clear difference between the low and high choir.

The low choir is the work of Rodrigo Alemán (15th century) and, in it, your attention will be drawn to its backrest where scenes from the Conquest of Granada appear carved.

You will be able to identify the names of the cities, which appear carved on the towers. The high choir is the work of two artists: Felipe Vigarny and Berruguete. Stop patiently at the chorus… It's worth it!

The Main Altar of the Cathedral of Toledo

You will be impressed by the wonderful Renaissance ironwork by Francisco de Villalpando. The altarpiece, from the time of Cisneros, will leave you with your mouth open. A multitude of scenes run through it, scenes from the life of Christ and Mary the Virgin.

Artists of the stature of Copín de Holland, Petit Juan, Felipe de Borgoña... among others participated in the creation of the altarpiece. On one of the sides, the burial of Cardinal Mendoza stands out, the work of Andrea Sansovino.

The Transparent

And, suddenly, bordering the Main Chapel, you will find this great work of the Baroque. Its author, Narciso Tomé (18th century). The objective of this construction was none other than to provide light to the Tabernacle of the main altar, which is located behind the altarpiece.

Throughout the complex its marbles and bronzes stand out, giving it an incomparable wonder.

The Sacristy of the Cathedral of Toledo

As soon as you enter, you will look up... the entire vault painted by Luca Giordano will transport you to the Sistine Chapel. Here, in the Sacristy, you will find works by Greco (highlighting “El Expolio”), Van Dyck, Raphael, Comontes, Caravaggio, Tintoretto… Stop and leisurely explore this beautiful place.

The Chapter House

With its restoration completed in 2019, it is once again

The chapter house is open to visitors. In this place the Cabildo met to hold its meetings. The frescoes represented on the four sides, on the seats, are the work of Juan de Borgoña.

We highlight, above the door, the representation of the Last Judgment, full of details. Below, a frieze with portraits of the Archbishops of Toledo runs through the entire room.