JAP | ENG
Toledo, Spain
OCTOBER 2013
#2/2
Cathedral de Santa María de Toledo
Toledo Cathedral – construction began in 1226 and was completed in 1493.
It is a Gothic cathedral.
The huge bell tower of the cathedral suddenly appears between the gaps of a medieval alley.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
After passing through a dark medieval alley, we came out onto a bright square.
A gigantic cathedral building, seemingly out of proportion to the size of the square, dominated one side of the narrow triangular square.
Photo by author, 2013
During the Visigothic period, Toledo was often the location of church councils, which increased the authority of the Bishopric of Toledo, and the cathedral became the primate seat of the entire Iberian Peninsula.
Photo by author, 2013
The Cathedral of Toledo is the seat of the Archbishop of Toledo.
The Archbishop of Toledo is considered the head of the Catholic Church in Spain.
Photo by author, 2013
The structure is in French Gothic style, with a total length of 120 m and a width of 59 m.
Photo by author, 2013
Santa Maria de Toledo Cathedral is known as the headquarters of Catholicism in Spain. It is a Gothic-style cathedral with multiple chapels and marble floors, which can be said to be the highlight of sightseeing in Toledo.
Photo by author, 2013
Toledo Cathedral was built over a magnificent period of more than 250 years, from 1226 to 1493. It is said to be the greatest masterpiece of Gothic architecture. If you look up at it from the square, you will be overwhelmed and may want to look at it forever.
Photo by author, 2013
The magnificent entrance to the Toledo cathedral.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Entering the Cathedral
The vast cathedral, with four side aisles and 22 chapels, has many highlights, including the main altar, whose walls are covered in intricate decorations, and the glittering, golden chapels.
Photo by author, 2013
In addition to the stately and magnificent exterior, the interior is also gorgeous and overwhelming.
You will be overwhelmed by the magnificent works of art.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Stained Glass
About 750 stained glass decorations adorn the interior.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
I discovered a scene like the one in the photo behind the altar of the Cathedral of Toledo. It felt as if light from heaven was being guided into the cathedral. It was an art of light.
After doing some research, I found out that it is known as a masterpiece of the Baroque style, created by the Spanish architect and sculptor Narciso Tomé between 1721 and 1732.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Treasure Room
In the treasure room at the back left of the main hall is a 16th-century Eucharistic Epiphany table decorated with gold, silver and precious stones, weighing a total of 200 kilograms. The photos below shows part of it.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
A golden crown with jewels!
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Painter El Greco
The Greek painter El Greco settled in Toledo and produced a number of masterpieces until his death in 1614.
From the 19th century onwards, El Greco was rediscovered as an important painter, and today Toledo and El Greco are talked about in tandem.
In particular, the sacristy is like a museum, displaying various artworks including the painting “The Disrobing of Christ” by the Greek painter El Greco.
Photo by author, 2013
Heavy door
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
Toledo CITY HALL
Toledo City Hall shares the same square as Toledo’s Cathedral.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
From the alley, the spire of Toledo City Hall came into view.
Photo by author, 2013
Walking through the medieval alleys
Cars in the medieval alley. Its quite unusual to see them in the alleys of the old town of Toledo. Probably a private car of a resident.
Photo by author, 2013
The windows and balconies of the building overhang over the alley, making the already dark alley even darker.
Photo by author, 2013
There are no telephone poles or wires in the alleys, and signage is kept to a minimum.
Photo by author, 2013
Zocodover Square
There are a series of cafes and shops, and also a tourist information center at “Zocodover Square”. It’s one of the larger squares in Toledo.
The shape is triangular, like the square in front of the cathedral and the city hall, but it is wider.
The square is surrounded by colorful five storey buildings built after the Middle Ages, creating a warm and open feeling. It is a place where you can experience a special atmosphere in the ancient city of Toledo.
Zocodover Square
Photo by author, 2013
It looks like there is an class outing for some junior high school students. The teacher is giving them some instructions.
Photo by author, 2013
It’s a great relief to walk through the alleys of this World Heritage site that still retains its medieval past, come to this square, and encounter a group of lively and energetic children.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
The selected group finishes the sketch on the floor and submits it to the teacher.
Photo by author, 2013
Photo by author, 2013
All photos by author, October 2013
