The Church of Cristo de la Luz, formerly the Bab al-Mardum Mosque, was one of the ten mosques that the city once had and is the best preserved. Founded in 999, various elements, mainly an apse, were added to it in the 12th century, after the Christian conquest of the city, making it one of the oldest known examples of Mudéjar art.
The Cathedral of Santa María, known locally as "Dives Toletana", dates back to 1226 during the reign of Ferdinand III, although Gothic contributions were made until the 15th century.
The Holy Cathedral Church, Consecrated to the Virgin Mary in her Assumption into heaven, began to be built in 1226, under the mandate of Archbishop D. Rodrigo Jimenez de Rada, on the foundations of the Visigoth Cathedral of the S. VI, which was used as a mosque. The construction is Gothic style with a clear French influence. It measures 120 m long by 60 m wide. It is composed of 5 naves, supported by 88 columns and 72 vaults. The side naves extend behind the Main Chapel surrounding the presbytery and creating a girola with a double semicircular corridor. Its first architect is the master Martun, of French origin, to whom the traces of the plan and the beginnings of the work at the head of the temple are due.
This modest former mosque has an unusual square plan, the function of it changed drastically over the course of history and now it houses the "Foundation Center for the Promotion of Crafts" that hosts temporary exhibitions.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter