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Church · Toledo, Castela-Mancha
Iglesia de San Ildefonso
Baroque church of the Jesuits, built between 1629 and 1765 in the center of the old town. From the two towers on the façade you get one of the broadest views over the roofs of Toledo.
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 Iglesia de San Ildefonso
The Jesuits bought the site in 1569. According to tradition, it stood where the house was in which Santo Ildefonso was born, archbishop of Toledo in the 7th century and patron saint of the city, and thus the church was named after him. People of Toledo call it Iglesia de los Jesuitas.
Work began in 1629, following the model of the church of the Gesù in Rome, seat of the Society of Jesus. The design is attributed to Juan Bautista Monegro. The façade in the form of a retable is by Francisco Bautista, and Bartolomé Zumbigo finished the towers. The church was consecrated in 1718 and completed in 1765.
Only two years later, in 1767, the Jesuits were expelled from Spain by Charles III. The order only recovered the church in the 20th century.
The interior is spacious and bright, with a dome over the crossing. The climb to the towers is the most sought-after part: from up there you can see the Cathedral, the Alcázar, the domes of the churches and the valley of the Tejo.
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
30 to 45 minutes, including the climb to the towers.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, with softer light for photographing from the towers' terraces. Check the opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is located on Plaza Juan de Mariana, at the top of the historic quarter, about a five-minute walk from the Cathedral and ten minutes from the Plaza de Zocodover.
Tip
The climb to the towers is by stairs and includes narrow sections. Entry is part of the Pulsera Turística, which covers Santo Tomé, Santa María la Blanca, San Juan de los Reyes and the Cristo de la Luz.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia de San Ildefonso
Is it worth climbing the towers of the Iglesia de los Jesuitas?
Yes, for those who want to see Toledo from above. From the towers you can see the Cathedral, the Alcázar and a large part of the old town's rooftops.
Why is it called San Ildefonso?
Because, according to tradition, Saint Ildefonso, patron of Toledo, was born on the plot where the church was built.
How long did the construction take?
More than a hundred years: it started in 1629 and finished in 1765.