Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos (Convent of the Discalced Carmelites), Toledo
The Convent of the Discalced Carmelites in Toledo is a stunning 17th-century monastery complex that boasts of an elaborate façade and intricate azulejo decoration. The complex was built between 1643 and 1655 according to the plans of the Discalced Carmelite, Fray Pedro de San Bartolomé. The building is arranged around a patio and features a rectangular floor plan with three naves, and a wide transept with short arms. The central nave is double-width and higher than the lateral ones.
The interior of the monastery is adorned with decorative plasterwork of free design, which is typical of the 16th century in Toledo. The vaults of the central nave, choir, and transept are half-barreled, and there are frescoes portraying biblical scenes. The monastery’s spacious nave and chapels are glazed with the azulejo ceramic panels that are typical of the region. The exterior of the building is made of exposed brick with masonry rafas and cubic volumes and rectilinear profiles.
The stone doorway is of the altarpiece-body and attic type, with a niche and Tuscan pilasters as its fundamental supports. The tower rising from the central portion of the façade is composed of exposed brick and features a rose window with a cross marking the pediment. The central façade also has a religious sculpture in the center and an arched portal beneath it.
The Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos is not just a religious building but also serves as a hostel where travelers and pilgrims can lodge, dine, and take part in prayer ceremonies. The history of the convent is extensive, and it is believed that John of the Cross took refuge here following his imprisonment. The monastery was used as a Minor Seminary in the 1830s and was handed back to the convent towards the end of the 19th century. During the Spanish Civil War, many friars were killed in the monastery.
Visitors to the Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos can enjoy the relaxing ambiance within the church and cool down here on hot summer days. The monastery is located towards the northern end of the city center and can be reached by bus or on foot from other parts of the historic zone. Visitors can also drive and leave their car in one of the spaces in front of the church.
The interior of the monastery is adorned with decorative plasterwork of free design, which is typical of the 16th century in Toledo. The vaults of the central nave, choir, and transept are half-barreled, and there are frescoes portraying biblical scenes. The monastery’s spacious nave and chapels are glazed with the azulejo ceramic panels that are typical of the region. The exterior of the building is made of exposed brick with masonry rafas and cubic volumes and rectilinear profiles.
The stone doorway is of the altarpiece-body and attic type, with a niche and Tuscan pilasters as its fundamental supports. The tower rising from the central portion of the façade is composed of exposed brick and features a rose window with a cross marking the pediment. The central façade also has a religious sculpture in the center and an arched portal beneath it.
The Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos is not just a religious building but also serves as a hostel where travelers and pilgrims can lodge, dine, and take part in prayer ceremonies. The history of the convent is extensive, and it is believed that John of the Cross took refuge here following his imprisonment. The monastery was used as a Minor Seminary in the 1830s and was handed back to the convent towards the end of the 19th century. During the Spanish Civil War, many friars were killed in the monastery.
Visitors to the Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos can enjoy the relaxing ambiance within the church and cool down here on hot summer days. The monastery is located towards the northern end of the city center and can be reached by bus or on foot from other parts of the historic zone. Visitors can also drive and leave their car in one of the spaces in front of the church.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toledo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos (Convent of the Discalced Carmelites) on Map
Sight Name: Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos (Convent of the Discalced Carmelites)
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Toledo, Spain
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles