Toledo Cathedral

The Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo) is a major Gothic cathedral in Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain; construction began in 1226 and the building was largely completed by 1493. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Toledo and one of Spain’s principal medieval cathedrals.

The interior is notable for its high Gothic nave, extensive decorative program and important liturgical collection. Highlights for many visitors include the carved wooden choir stalls, the large main altarpiece and the cathedral treasury which contains metalwork and ecclesiastical objects. The complex also offers a prominent tower that traditionally provides views over the walled city.

Work on the present cathedral began in the early 13th century under the authority of the archbishopric; the fabric was built in successive campaigns through the 15th century. Over time chapels were added and the building accumulated paintings, metalwork and other liturgical treasures that reflect Toledo’s ecclesiastical importance.

The cathedral stands in Toledo’s historic centro histórico, on a hill above the Tagus River. It is in the heart of the old city, roughly 70 kilometres south of Madrid by road and readily visited on day trips from the capital.

• Panoramic view: Best panoramic view is from the Mirador del Valle across the Tagus river, where the cathedral dominates the old city skyline.
• Architectural period: Construction began in 1226 and the main Gothic fabric was largely finished by the late 15th century, so visitors should expect a predominantly Gothic plan and decoration.

What to See #

• Chapter House (Sacristy): Located on the east side of the cathedral complex, this room holds the chapter meetings and a number of important paintings and liturgical manuscripts that form part of the cathedral's artistic collection.
• Choir and Choir Stalls: The carved wooden stalls that enclose the choir are a major interior feature and are richly decorated with sculpted scenes and heraldry from the late medieval period.
• Treasury: The cathedral treasury displays a range of liturgical metalwork, vestments and reliquaries that illustrate Toledo's role as an ecclesiastical centre.
• Bell Tower: The tower forms a prominent element of Toledo's skyline and is a traditional viewpoint for panoramic views of the historic city and the Tagus valley.