Cathedral of Toledo, Castilia La Mancha

Cathedral of Toledo - details and images

Located in the Spanish city of the same name, the cathedral of Toledo is one of the largest Christian cathedral in the world, considered one of the greatest Gothic structures of its kind in Europe. In terms of fidelity to the Gothic style, it is surpassed only by two other cathedrals - Seville Cathedral and the Cathedral of Milan.

The cathedral was built on the former Great Mosque of Toledo, which replaced a Visigoth church. Lengthy construction process (from 1226 until 1493) is reflected in the variety of styles in which it was addressed. Over the years, there have been a series of remarkable events, including the proclamation of the foolish Joan and her husband, Philip the Handsome, as heirs to the throne of Spain.

The exterior of the cathedral is best appreciated outside the city or from a higher point, located in the vicinity, such as Parador Nacional de Turismo. Nearby is very difficult to appreciate the size and grandeur of the cathedral, but its beauty is more than obvious. North Tower is 90 meters high and was built between 1380 and 1440. Inside is the famous bell and called Campana Gorda, melted in 1753, which weighs 17 tons. South tower was left unfinished and currently houses a Baroque dome.

The facade of the cathedral were denied. XV, with three Gothic portals carved between 1418 and 1450. Central portal, Forgiveness Gate (Puerta del Perdon on) has a relief carved by Juan Aleman representing the Virgin Mary handing a robe of St. Ildefonso, owner of Toledo.

The roof of the cathedral, which, in the central nave reaches a height of 44.5 meters, is supported by a series of 88 columns. The cathedral is lit by a series of more than 750 stained glass windows.

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