Toledo Cathedral Review – The Essence of Gothic, a Bastion of Spanish Religious Art

#June Travel Support Fund 🏛️ 1. Amazing size and structure This is a Spanish Gothic cathedral that began construction in 1226 under the direction of Ferdinand III and Archbishop Ximenes de Rada and was completed over a period of about 150 years. . With a length of 120m, width of 60m, and height of 44m, it has a magnificent structure supported by five central naves, a total of 88 columns, and 72 groin vault arches, which is comparable to the Bourges Cathedral in Paris. . ⸻ 🎨 2. Interior aesthetics - Harmony of light, art, and decoration The interior is filled with magnificent stained glass and rosette windows that gently let in light, and the atmosphere changes depending on the time of day and the light. In particular, the high-quality Baroque altar called ‘El Transparente’ was designed by Narciso Tomé in 1732 and was nicknamed the ‘Altar of Light’ because it allowed light to come down through the hole in the ceiling. The church is also rich in works of art, including works by El Greco, Velazquez, and Goya, as well as the Monastrános (guardian’s garment) by Arfe, made of 18 kg of gold and 183 kg of silver, which boasts an overwhelming volume. ⸻ 🚪 3. Façade & Doors – Symbolic Entrances The main Gothic entrances are the ‘Door of Forgiveness (Puerta del Perdón)’, ‘Door of Hell (Puerta del Infierno)’, and ‘Door of Judgment (Puerta del Juicio)’, each of which is engraved with scenes from the Bible, such as the Annunciation and the Last Judgment. The tower (approximately 93m high) built between 1380 and 1440 has a huge 17-ton bell, ‘Campana Gorda’, hanging on it, which exudes a sense of presence even from afar. . ⸻ 📚 4. Ambratory, Chapter House, and Royal Tombs There are numerous small chapels on both sides of the Ambratory (circuitous corridor), and you can also sense the subtle influence of the Moderna style. The Chapter House contains portraits of past archbishops and works by El Greco. The tomb chamber contains the tombs of royal and noble families, including Alvaro de Luna, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the traces of past Spanish rulers. .