My Part I : Stroll to See Toledo Steel continues with the vibe of bricky and earthy Toledo. In this post, I'd like to introduce you to Toledo's most important place: The Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo.
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| Part I : Arrival | Part II : Palacio Real de Madrid | Part III : Jamón Iberico |
🇪🇸📍 Three cultures of Toledo 📍🇪🇸
As I've mentioned that Toledo is a city of three cultures, I can see it during my walk through the city. The architect and decorations reflect the cultural influences of 3 religions; Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
Toledo used to have large communities of Muslims and Jews until they were expelled from Spain. When Spain decided to make Christianity the main religion of the country. Toledo is considered to be what's left of the history of how 3 religions coexisted.
Some decorations still had some scents of Muslim and Jews. Not that I could point them out much, but from my experience of being in central European country like Germany, I started to see how and why the vibe is different.
This is my favorite photo. A door knocker shaped like a small petite hand. I find it so interesting and cute. If I had a cafe and I want it to have this vibe, I'll have them make this door knocker. After a while of just admiring the buildings and house, we get a glimpse of the cathedral
🇪🇸 🕯 Toledo Cathedral 🕯 🇪🇸
or in the other name of "Mary of Toledo", or Spanish name of "Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo" is a Roman Catholic church and not just any church, but it's (allegedly) considered to be the magnum opus of the Gothic style in Spain.
Magnum Opus means a great work and especially the greatest achievement of an artist or writer. (According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
There are only three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain and Toledo Cathedral is one of them. So, here I know I was gonna experience vertical proportions, pointed arches, and asymmetric style of Gothic.
🇪🇸🔺 The Entrance 🔺🇪🇸
As I researched, I learned that the cathedral actually has many entrances, which in this case, they called it Portal. The one we used to go inside (on the left picture here) is called Puerta de los Leones or in English, Portal of the Lions.
The portal is the most modern of the great portals. By modern, I mean it was the last out of 3 portals that was built, in the 15th and 16th centuries, And, Why does it called "Portal of the Lions"? If you zoom in, you'll see the columns in front with lions holding pictures(?). I'm not sure what they're holding honestly.
🇪🇸🔺 The Interiror 🔺🇪🇸
Interesting fact is that the church being built such a long time ago. It was actually built on top of a Muslim mosque. (Remember I told you about how 3 religious used to coexist?) Then it was rebuilt and reshaped this "temple" to be more gothic.
The next 300 years later, the art of Mudéjar and neo-classic were added to complete the grandeur of the church.
Mudejar style in architecture refers to the application of decorative Islamic art styled motifs and patterning to Christian styles of architecture.
🇪🇸🔺 The Ceiling Fresco and The El Greco Painting 🔺🇪🇸
The things that captured my attention were the art. I got to mention the ceiling fresco, done by Luca Giordano, in the sacristy. Sacristy is the hall where a priest prepares for a service, but on that day, it was more like an El Greco art exhibition. (To me, at least) Anyway, the virgin mary in the middle of the room is my favorite.
That time is my first time to learn about El Greco, the artist of the painting. Interestingly, he was a greek painter, sculptor and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. His famous works are gathered here in this cathedral.
There are 2 major art features that I'd love to write about, but as time would have it and more researches to be done. I might have to be prepared and work writing about it more. Today, I hope you'll get to know about the Toledo cathedral better.
I know I do! and I have these sources to thank for:
Spain's official tourism website and Toledo Cathedral Wikipedia
I hope I keep it understandable, but if it's not in anyway, please feel free to let me know, I'd super appreciate it.
Let's enjoy the beauty of the place and keep traveling, guys
Khob khun kaa,
Nomnomnoodle 🍜