Iglesia de San Ildefonso (Church of San Ildefonso), Toledo

The Church of San Ildefonso, also known as the Jesuit Church, is a magnificent example of the Baroque style located in Toledo. Situated in one of the highest points in the city, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Toledo from its towers. The church is dedicated to Saint Ildefonso of Toledo, the patron saint of the city and Father of the Church.

The construction of the church took more than a century to complete, with work starting in 1629 on lands acquired by the Jesuits of Toledo in 1569. The location had previously hosted the houses of Juan Hurtado de Mendoza Rojas y Guzmán, count of Orgaz, and was also the birthplace of Saint Ildefonsus. The approach followed the example of the Jesuit churches of Palencia and Alcalá de Henares, as well as the Church of the Gesù in Rome.

The church's enormous dimensions and great architecture are expressed in the single nave flanked by side chapels that communicate among themselves, as well as the great dome that covers the area of the transept. The facade and reredos are in Baroque style and were designed by Francisco Bautista, who replaced Jesuit architect Pedro Sánchez after his death in 1633. Bartolomé Zumbigo, a native architect of Toledo, completed the towers and facade.

San Ildefonso was consecrated in 1718, although the sacristy, the main chapel, and the octave were incomplete at the time. The temple was finally completed in 1765 under the direction of Jose Hernandez Sierra, an architect from Salamanca. Unfortunately for the Jesuits, the church was seized just two years later, along with all other Jesuit properties in Spain, under the charge of instigating the Esquilache Riots. The Company of Jesus did not recover the church until the twentieth century.

The Church of San Ildefonso is a superb example of the Baroque style and a testament to the counter-reformation spirituality that influenced its design. Its historical and architectural significance make it a must-see destination for visitors to Toledo.