On our last morning in Spain we had an 8:30 a.m. breakfast provided by the hotel and then were ready to tour the cathedral when it opened at 10. The cathedral was built in stages -- originally on the site of a Muslim mosque. It was spectacular, to say the least. Actually, one of the most impressive things about our tour was visiting a side chapel that would rival an art gallery anywhere. It had El Greco's originals of the 12 apostles (St. Paul pictured).
(It was really amazing to be able to walk around this room and marvel at the paintings displayed.) Another room contained "The Bible of St. Louis," dating from about 1230 A.D. It was presented to the Cathedral in Toledo and was intricate in detail and color.
We had obtained audio guides for the tour and thus were able to move from "number-to-number," listening to the descriptions provided. Cardinal Cisneros presided over something of a "remodel" of the Cathedral and was responsible for some of the most expensive and elaborate decor. Below are photos taken of the ceiling detail and the altar area.
All in all, we really appreciated the chance to tour
one more European cathedral! As with many of the other cathedrals we visited, the rose window was worth more than a cursory gaze. -rw
No comments:
Post a Comment