San Idelfonso Church, Toledo, Spain

The Iglesia de San Idelfonso is a Baroque style church located in the center of the historic city of Toledo. Its construction took more than 100 years. Work began in 1629 on lands acquired by the Jesuits of Toledo in 1569. It was the birthplace of Saint Ildefonsus.

Its approach followed the example of the Jesuit churches of Palencia and Alcalá de Henares and that of the Church of the Gesù, in Rome. It is the main church of the Company of Jesus. This trace has been attributed to Jan Bautista Monegro, at that time the master of the Cathedral. Jesuit architect Pedro Sánchez, a Jesuit brother, was in charge of the construction of the temple. Sánchez died in 1633 and was replaced by another companion of his order, Francisco Bautista, who built the facade and reredos in Baroque style. In 1669, Bautista left his place to Bartolomé Zumbigo, native architect of Toledo, who finished the towers and the facade.

San Idelfonso was consecrated in 1718, although the sacristy, the main chapel and the octave, which contains the reliquary were incomplete. In 1765, the temple was finally completed under the direction of Jose Hernandez Sierra, architect of Salamanca. Unfortunately for the order of the Jesuits, only two years after the expulsion from Spain by order of king Charles III of Spain under the charge of instigating the Esquilache Riots, which had taken place in 1766.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Michael Faustino Bauer (8 months ago)
nice, smaller church, great views of city, easy to get up, both towers accessible, Café below for a drink

Mary Mingotes (14 months ago)
Bright and interesting inside. Amazing views from the towers

Paolo Falbo (2 years ago)
The inside of the church is not really impressive, artistically speaking. Despite the plant is large and the structure tall, typical of a major church, the artistic contents are not same level. Side chapels include baroque altars, wooden made. The true jewel of this church in the two 50m high towers. It is possible to go up. From there you can see a breathtaking landscape view of Toledo.

Julio Escalona (2 years ago)
Loved it, such a beautiful church. We got there in the evening at pray time and there were just a few locals inside. Feel free to walk around and admire the art here.

Bernd Demel (2 years ago)
Nice overview on a beautiful city The entrance fee is fair (3€) - Lovely church - Just watch the sun going through the yellow window - Amazing light!!! Go up to the towers and watch the city and landscape! Just wonderful

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