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Toledo Cathedral. Photo By Nikthestunned –

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Cathedral of Toledo

The Cathedral of Toledo is located in Toledo, Spain. It is an ideal example of the prevalent European architectural style of the 13th century and is often referred to as dives toletana, the richest cathedral in Toledo.

Toledo Cathedral is among two other cathedrals, Burgos and Leon, that elicit the admiration of the high Gothic architecture in Spain. However, the largest Gothic structure in Spain, the Seville Cathedral, was constructed in the early 1500s.

Before the Cathedral of Toledo was constructed, it existed as a smaller mosque-cathedral. For 370 years, Toledo was mainly occupied by the Arabs and Muslim Europeans known as the Moors. The city morphed into an Islamic town adopting the religion’s urban designs and structures such as the Bab-al-Mardum mosque were constructed. 

It was Alfonso VI, King of Castile and Leon, that peacefully reclaimed Toledo from the leadership of Yahya II al-Qadir and Christianity soon dominated Leon and Toledo. A cathedral was then put up adjacent to the Great Mosque of Toledo.

The two buildings co-existed until the 13^th century when they were demolished, and the cathedral was redesigned into what it is today.

Read more on the Seville Cathedral and other interesting places to visit in Spain here. 

1. The Construction Of The Initial Cathedral Brought About The Execution Of Its Workmen

Alfonso VI of León and Castile. Photo Source

When Alphonso VI learned of the forceful seizing of the Great Mosque of Toledo by his wife and the city’s archbishop, he was angered. The two were adamant about banishing the Islamic religion and installed a provisional altar to expel the laws of Mohammed.

Alphonso took action against the people who participated in anti-Islamic acts and ordered their execution. Abu Walid, an Islamic negotiator, approached the King to plead for the mercy of the workmen and put an end to the violence in Toledo.

The Christian usurpation was accepted by the Muslims and peace was restored. In honor of Walid’s effort, a pillar in the main chapel has his statue.

2. The Redesign of The Cathedral Of Toledo Was Envisioned By Its Archbishop

In 1209, Rodrigo Ximenez was elected as the bishop of Toledo. After he settled in the city, he was determined to expand and redesign the existing cathedral. The space of the existing cathedral was adequate but it was the low-lying roof, aged building, and noisy interior that drew him to rethink its structure.

In addition to this, Rodrigo felt that the status of the cathedral did not match its physical appearance. Other religious edifices of the same rank had more grand structures. At the time, gothic architecture was the prevalent design, and the cathedral adopted its attributes.

3. The Architectural Style of The Cathedral of Toledo Was Inspired By The Basilica of Saint Denis In Paris

The West Facade- Saint-Denis Basilique, Photo By Zairon –

Gothic architecture originated in France and the Basilica of Saint-Denis was the first building to employ its elements in Europe. Its popularity grew and by the 1400s, cathedrals in Burgos had implemented Gothic attributes in their construction.

 The head bishop of Toledo had studied in France and already had admiration for the particular style. The backing of King Ferdinand III garnered more support, and the reconstruction of the cathedral began in the 13^th century.

Read more on the Basilica of Saint -Denis and other best Gothic architectures in France here.

4. It Was Unclear Who The Master Architect of The Cathedral In Toledo Was

In the history of Toledo, Petru Petri was assumed to have been the main architect of the cathedral. He was laid to rest in the basilica and his tombstone credited him as the master architect. However, this seemed impossible since Petri would have been too young to be an architect when its construction began.

It was not until the 1950s that alternative sources of evidence emerged claiming that the master of the cathedral was indeed a French mason. According to the sources, Master Martin was called upon by Bishop Ximenez de Rada to take up the construction of Saint Mary of Toledo.

5. It Took Nearly Three Centuries To Complete

Works on the Toledo cathedral began in 1222 when King Ferdinand III was the ruler of Castile and Toledo. It was built in stages and was completed in 1493 with the aid of French expertise.

The construction of the Gothic structure was one that needed skilled workmanship and adequate funding. This played a part in the long duration taken to complete the building.

6. The Cathedral of Toledo Has Remarkable Design Aspects

Stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Toledo . Photo By Fmanzanal –

The seamless combination of light and intricate arched ceilings is what makes the cathedral’s design stand out. In addition to this, the reflection of the sun’s rays from the stained-glass windows illuminates its naves with an array of colors.

Some Islamic designs can also be seen inside and outside the cathedral. The cloister, in particular, used Christian craftsmen to apply Islamic motifs and ornaments. The polylobed arches used in its interior gallery are also said to have originated from the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

7. The Interior and Exterior of The Cathedral of Toledo Have A Special Theme

Puerta del Perdón (Portal of Forgiveness) with the sculptor of Mary and Saint at the top of the door. Photo By Sevillista –

The exterior of the cathedral of Toledo has intriguing iconography with 6 archivolts right at the central portal. The sculptors are a representation of biblical figures such as Christ the savior, the apostles, the Virgin Mary, and other bible stories.

Above the cathedral’s main entrance is a sculptor of Mary handing the liturgical garments to Saint Ildefonso, a metropolitan Bishop of the city in the 7^th century. This special theme is also seen in the interior paintings of the structure. Similarly, the chapels within the cathedral use it in their interiors.

8. The Cathedral’s Oldest Entryway Has Multiple Names

The multifaceted cathedral has a total of 7 portals, the Portal of the Clock being the oldest. The entryway is located on the Northern wing and has the most variety of names.

The gateway goes by the name Portal of the Chapineria because of the street adjacent to it. It is also known as the Portal of the Fair because it was officially opened during the street fair celebration. Its iconography also earned it three other names, The Portal of Ollas, Portal of the Monarchs, and the Portal of the Lost Boy.

9. Its Main Façade Has Three Portals

The main facade of the cathedral has three entrances namely, the Portal of Last Judgement, the Portal of Forgiveness, and the Portal of Hell. The Portal of last judgment is the oldest of the three gateways. Its icons are a representation of the judgment day as depicted in the book of Revelation.

The Portal of Forgiveness which is centrally placed was the last to be completed. Its passage was previously used as a physical demonstration of forgiveness of sin to those who repented. It is now only open on special occasions such as the consecration of new archbishops.

Unlike the other two, the Portal of Hell only uses floral carvings as its decoration and was preserved for the Palm Sunday procession.

10. The Chapel of Treasure In The Cathedral Of Toledo Has The Most Remarkable  Embroidery Specimen In Spain

In 1100, the first figure of Virgen del Sagrario arrived in the cathedral. It became the most iconic symbol of the cathedral and Felipe Corral made its embroidered mantle. The embroidery, which is covered with precious stones, pearls, and gold, is preserved in the chapel of treasures.

Aside from that, the chapel holds the cathedral treasures such as relics, clothing, and liturgical objects. It also has two wood carvings of the most venerated figure in the Christian religion, St. Francis of Assisi.

Find out other places to visit in Toledo here.