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Cathedral · Toledo, Castela-Mancha
Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo
Gothic cathedral begun in 1226, seat of the Primate Archbishop of Spain. It houses the Transparente by Narciso Tomé, the choir by Berruguete and Vigarny, El Expolio by El Greco and the monstrance by Enrique de Arfe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo
Construction began in 1226, during the reign of Fernando III, on the site where the city's main mosque once stood. The last Gothic vaults, those of the central nave by the entrance, were closed in 1493, already in the time of the Catholic Monarchs. The masters mentioned at the start of the work are Petrus Petri and Mestre Martín.
The building is about 113 metres long, 56 wide and 44 high, with five naves. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Toledo, whose archbishop received from the pope the title of primate, and for that reason it is called Catedral Primada. The people of Toledo also call it Dives Toletana, the rich Toledan.
Inside, the route goes through the choir, with seats carved by Alonso Berruguete and Felipe Vigarny, and the Transparente, a Baroque work by Narciso Tomé behind the high altar, lit by an opening made in the vault. The sacristy serves as a painting gallery and displays O Espólio by El Greco.
In the treasury is the large gilded-silver monstrance made by Enrique de Arfe, which goes out into the streets in the Corpus Christi procession. In the Mozarabic chapel Mass is still celebrated in the ancient Hispano‑Mozarabic rite.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half to two hours for the nave, the choir, the Transparente, the sacristy and the treasury.
Best time
Right at opening in the morning, before the tour groups arriving from Madrid. On Sundays and on some holidays the cultural visit usually starts only in the afternoon, and the cathedral is closed on January 1 and December 25. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is located in the centre of the old town, on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, about a five‑minute walk from the Plaza de Zocodover via Calle del Comercio. Tourist entry is usually through the side, near Calle Cardenal Cisneros.
Tip
Buy the ticket online in advance, especially on weekends and Spanish public holidays. Allow time for the sacristy, where the paintings are; many people rush through it.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo
What not to miss inside the Cathedral of Toledo?
The Transparente, by Narciso Tomé, behind the high altar; the choir carved by Berruguete and Vigarny; the sacristy with The Disrobing (El Expolio) by El Greco; and the monstrance by Enrique de Arfe, in the treasury.
Do I need to buy the ticket beforehand?
It's recommended, because the cathedral receives many groups from Madrid. Buying online avoids the ticket-office queue. Check prices and times on the official website.
Is the cathedral open on Sundays?
Yes, it's open, but the cultural visit usually only starts in the afternoon because of morning masses. At some religious festivals the schedule also changes.
Why is it called the Primate Cathedral?
Because the archbishop of Toledo holds the title of Primate of Spain, recognized by the pope since the Middle Ages. That gave the cathedral the name Primate Cathedral.