The History of a Century-Long Religious Fervor

Exploring the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Toledo (Region) The church features five naves, measuring 120 meters in length and 59 meters in width, with its roof supported by 88 columns. The multicolored stained glass windows date back to the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The main altar is adorned with a five-part altarpiece depicting scenes from the New Testament, along with life-sized gilded wooden polychrome sculptures. Commissioned by Cardinal Cisneros, it was constructed between 1497 and 1504. The 15th-century Santiago Chapel boasts an ornate Gothic style and houses the stone tombs of Álvaro de Luna and his wife Juana de Pimentel. This impressive choir is considered one of the greatest in the Christian world. The grille surrounding the choir was designed by Domingo de Cespedes. The lower choir seats, dating back to the 15th century, depict scenes of city and fortress surrenders leading up to the conquest of Granada. The upper choir seats consist of 72 ceremonial chairs, designed by Alonso de Berruguete and Felipe Vigarni in the 16th century. The so-called "Ochavo" is a luxurious large room built in the 16th century, dedicated to commemorating Christ's martyrs and witnesses. It houses numerous precious artworks, such as the reliquary of Saint Louis, the bust of Saint John the Baptist, and Cardinal Mendoza's cross. In the main sacristy, visitors can admire works by Lucas Jordán and El Greco.