The Bite Magazine Issue 17

built in the 12 th century and has elements of Mudejar art as well as five naves with decreasing heights and characteristic geometrical and botanical decorations, and horseshoe arches. El Tránsito, which was built in 1357, is a synagogue where you can admire one of the best Mudejar coffered ceilings preserved in Toledo, along with walls richly decorated with geometrical and botanical designs and Hebrew inscriptions. Today this Jewish place of worship houses the Sephardic Museum which has an interesting collec- tion of pieces of art and various objects used in Jewish ceremonies exhibited here. One of the most outstanding build- ings in the city is the Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the highest point of Gothic art.The construction of this monumental building with its basil- ica floor plan and five naves began in 1226 but was not completed until the 15 th century. This particular cathedral is of great interest as it not only has a great superimposition of styles in the building but it also has a large number of renowned artists who left their mark on the church including Pedro Berruguete, Enrique Egás, Petrus Petri and Juan Guas. On its main façade, you’ll find that the outstanding feature is its doorway which is made up of three doors: Infierno (Hell), Perdón (Forgiveness) and Juicio (Judge- ment). The exterior is topped by two cathedral towers, one of which is in a flamboyant Gothic style, and the other in Gothic-Renaissance decoration. Other outstanding features are the choir stalls which is found in the build- ing’s central nave, as well as beautiful flamboyant Gothic reredos in the main chapel and other minor chapels such as those of San Ildefonso and El Sagrario, where the Arfe Processional Monstrance is housed. Here you will find a huge piece of precious metalwork decorated with 260 images and made of silver bathed in gold by Enrique de Arfe between 1517 and 1524. This treasure at 2.5 metres high and weighing more than 160 kilos, interestingly takes the leading role in the procession of the Most Holy Corpus Christi, a festival declared of International Tourist Interest. Meanwhile, inside the Cathedral Museum, is a rich collection of works by painters like Goya, El Greco, Lucas Jordán and Van Dyck. There are so many historical emblems in this city, that if you’re a history enthusiast, then you will certainly be in your element here. You may find of interest, the Gothic San Martin Bridge which was built in the 13 th century and has two characteristic defensive towers, or the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a perfect example of flamboyant Gothic and one of the masterpieces of Juan Guas who was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs. The church is outstanding for its great ornamentation and for its cloister which is of great sculptural value. Another Renaissance presentation is the Hospi- tal de Tavera, which now as a museum houses paintings by El Greco, Ribera and Titan, among others.This building whose architects included Covarrubias, Berru- guete and Bustamante has an amazing courtyard, houses the tomb of Cardinal Tavera, features the work of Berruguete and a pharmacy that has maintained its original appearance. The palaces of Lorenzana, the site of the University, and Fuensalida are in Baroque style while the Fortress of medieval origin, presides over the whole city with its imposing image and contains a military museum and one of the largest public libraries in Spain. It was once an imperial residence and was updated with work carried out by Covarrubias and Herrera upon the com- mission of Carlos I. Behind its thick wall you’ll find a large central courtyard and the imperial staircase. On its southern façade, the oldest that remains, it has a viewpoint that allows you to capture a beautiful view of the River Tagus and the city’s surroundings. When you have finished overloading yourself with its wealth of historical ele- ments, you can experience the relaxing and fun side of this stunning city.Toledo’s bite travel