Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Definitely worth the price! I didn't buy tickets in advance but there was no line so I walked right up and bought a pass. There is a nice courtyard to walk through and you can walk on both levels. The main attraction is the church inside where you can also see it from the second floor which is a neat vantage point. The scale of it is quite impressive but you cannot truly appreciate it until you get to see it from multiple perspectives.

Lovely and historic building in the center of Toledo, this Catholic monastery has some beautiful cloister and many beautiful architectural details about. If you are there on a hot day, you can escape the blazing Sun and enjoy the shaded cloister‘s and other interior rooms. There are a number of restored sections or rebuilt based on the original drawings or paintings, etc. definitely worth some time if you are doing a day trip from Madrid. Interesting spot, pretty garden, lovely interior.

The monastery is considered one of the most representative example of Toledo Gothic architecture. It was dedicated to Saint John in honor of Queen Isabella I’s father, King John II, and was built to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Toro in 1476 and the birth of Prince John in 1478. Additionally, the monastery was intended to serve as a royal pantheon. Although Queen Isabella I initially wished to be buried here after the conquest of Granada, she later chose the Alhambra in Granada instead. The monastery's architect is known to be Juan Guas. The monastery showcases a unique blend of Islamic Mudéjar style and Flamboyant Gothic architecture. The two-story cloister harmoniously combines intricate Mudéjar-style arches and ceilings, reflecting the richness of Spanish architectural heritage. Throughout the complex, decorative chains and shackles symbolize the victory of Christianity following the expulsion of Jews and Muslims after the Alhambra Decree of 1492. Today, the monastery is managed by the Franciscan Order, preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Visited in August 2024 This is a very beautiful Catholic Monastery in Toledo. Built in the 16th and 17th century, the monastery shows a mixture of late Gothic-Isabelline and Mudéjar styles. The Mudéjar style goes back to Muslims who fell under Christian rule in Spain after the Reconquista. The Mudéjar-style artesonado ceiling is a prominent design style incorporated. They included many craftsmen who, as master builders for Christian clients, had a great influence on the design of sacred buildings Characteristics of Islamic architecture, such as horseshoe arches, stalactite vaults, Moresque (surface decorations) and stucco ornaments were combined in the Mudéjar style with influences from the Christian Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Also typical were wooden ceilings, doors or prayer pulpits artistically decorated with geometric motifs and ribbed domes. This monastery was founded by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to commemorate both the birth of their son, Prince John, and their victory at the Battle of Toro (1476) over the army of Afonso V of Portugal. The battle represented a decisive political victory for the Catholic Monarchs, assuring them the throne and paving the way for the future united kingdoms of Spain. Toledo was chosen as the site for building the monastery due to its central geographic location and because it had been the capital of the ancient Visigoth kingdom, symbolically reconstituted by Isabella and Ferdinand with the restoration of the lost unity of Spain, through the union of Castile with Aragon.

Beautiful Monastery 😍 100% recommended 👍 Pay special attention to the old “chains” located on the front face of the monastery… (attached to the wall) they are real slaves chains that were brought to the monastery after the emancipation of these slaves as a sign of freedom Very impressive 🙏

February, weekday morning, not too many people so it was quick to buy a ticket and enter. Well worth a visit. If you park on the other side of the river and walk over the Puente de San Martin bridge it takes only 5-10 minutes to walk up the hill. Make sure to see the two balconies in the church (from the upper cloister). The views are really great.

beautiful and serene place to visit while in Toledo. 4€ entry, you can pay on arrival. it takes about 30 minutes to see it. audio available with QR code for free. there are benches to linger longer if desired.

Great monastery to visit and explore around. Cool views and lots to see.