The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a 15th century architectural wonder and the shining gem of Toledo. Controversially founded in the heart of the Jewish quarter by the Spanish monarchs period, it was constructed as a provocative statement about their perceived supremacy of the Catholic faith and is where they had intended to be laid to rest. This did not come to pass and, today, it is actually the parish church of the Archdiocese of Toledo.
Despite the incredible size and beauty of the church, the parish is actually quite small as the impossibly beautiful historic quarter in which it is located is not inhabited by many residents. Therefore, when you visit, you're likely to encounter greater numbers of astounded tourists than parishioners and you're also likely to become one of them yourself, craning your neck to take in the ornate beauty of the building.
Find a vacation rental in Spain and come fall in love with this exceptional architectural gem.
Despite the incredible size and beauty of the church, the parish is actually quite small as the impossibly beautiful historic quarter in which it is located is not inhabited by many residents. Therefore, when you visit, you're likely to encounter greater numbers of astounded tourists than parishioners and you're also likely to become one of them yourself, craning your neck to take in the ornate beauty of the building.
Find a vacation rental in Spain and come fall in love with this exceptional architectural gem.
It is one of the most valuable examples of the Elizabethan Gothic style in Spain and the most important building erected by the Catholic Monarchs. The highlight is the lovely two-level cloister and the pretty and peaceful lush little garden that it surrounds. A fusion of the late and flamboyant Gothic style on the ground floor and Mudéjar architecture on the second storey, it is swathed in elegant statuary, arches, vaulting, elaborate pinnacles and cheeky gargoyles. For a moment of calm while exploring the city, it is the perfect place to come and sit and breathe.
Another highlight is the equally ornate main chapel, which is decorated with the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, features pointed ogival arches and boasts statuary that features figures of various saints. Flemish sculptor Egas Cueman lead the project and brought a touch of Northern Gothic to the building.
Elegant and utterly beautiful, this is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Spain and is a must-see for anyone visiting Toledo.
Another highlight is the equally ornate main chapel, which is decorated with the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, features pointed ogival arches and boasts statuary that features figures of various saints. Flemish sculptor Egas Cueman lead the project and brought a touch of Northern Gothic to the building.
Elegant and utterly beautiful, this is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Spain and is a must-see for anyone visiting Toledo.
Opening hours:
June-Sep: 10am-6.30pm
Oct-May: 10am-5.30pm
Entrance:
€2.80
Plaza de San Juan de los Reyes 2
June-Sep: 10am-6.30pm
Oct-May: 10am-5.30pm
Entrance:
€2.80
Plaza de San Juan de los Reyes 2
Photo credits
picture 2: amaianos / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Querubin Saldaña Sanchez / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 2: amaianos / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Querubin Saldaña Sanchez / CC BY-SA 3.0
