Castilla La Mancha

San Juan de Reyes Monastery, Gothic jewel in Toledo: schedules

Cloister of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo
Cloister of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo

You know well that in your days of tourism in Toledo you have the possibility visit Christian churches, mosques and synagogues,

That is due to the cultural mix that characterizes this historic city that you find. near Madrid., which is known as one of the Three Cultures.

But there is a monument that I especially want to highlight to you, whose visit you will surely enjoy.

This is the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, whose construction was commissioned by the rQueen Elizabeth I after the victory of the Battle of Toro in 1476.

Curiosities history monastery San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo

Belonging to the franciscan order, you may be surprised to find in Toledo, where the Arabic and Mudejar architecture, a monument of gothic architectural style with flamenco influences.

In fact, this monastery The so-called Elizabethan Gothic.

Initially thought of by Catholic kings as the place where they should be buried, the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes Construction began in 1477, being completed in 1526, already during the reign of Carlos I.

Altarpiece of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo
Altarpiece of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo

Centuries later the monastery suffered the consequences of the War of independence and the confiscation of Mendizábal (1836), to be restored at the end of the XNUMXth century.

What to see when visiting the San Juan de los Reyes monastery

During your walk through Toledo, you can find the monastery to the southwest of the city, next to the old Jewish neighborhood, and very close to the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.

The building will not particularly attract your attention due to its exterior, with the west façade being the most prominent.

Cloister of the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes of Toledo

But when you enter it, the first thing you will find is its large cloister, which was the last element that was built in the monastery, already in transition to the Renaissance style.

Cloister of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo
Cloister of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo

With two floors and a square floor plan, the monastery cloister It will especially catch your attention due to the artistic richness of its 20 windows.

To the upper floor you go up a staircase plateresque style, and you will also appreciate the beauty of its coffered ceiling. Moorish style.

Church of the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes of Toledo

When you walk into the church of the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, you will see that it has a single nave, which may seem somewhat shocking to you, as you are used to seeing large Gothic churches built with at least three naves.

Of course, in that single ship Chapels open on its side walls, and you will also find corners that will really impress you with their decoration.

Corner of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo
Corner of the San Juan de los Reyes monastery in Toledo

For example, the Elizabethan Mudejar style pulpit or royal columns.

Or also the dome that culminates the cruise, or the decorations on the walls with royal coats of arms and shields carved in stone.

Schedule to visit the San Juan de los Reyes monastery

The Visiting hours of the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes of Toledo They are, from March to October 15, from 10 a.m. to 18,45:16 p.m., and from October 10 to February, from 17,45 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.

San Juan de los Reyes monastery ticket prices

The ticket prices They are, in general, 2,80 euros, with free pass for children under 11 years of age and people in wheelchairs.

Photos San Juan de los Reyes monastery

Here you have more photos of the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes to visit on your trip to Toledo.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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