The building is situated on the western side of the city, overlooking the Tajo river (Tagus),
which in turn is spanned by the Puente de San Martin (the Bridge of Saint Martin),
and overlooks the area of Toledo known as ‘los cigarrales’(the Cicadas). The building is of solid granite stone.
The stones come together to form a rectangular shape and converge to form the hexagonal apse which corresponds
in the interior of the edifice to the high Altar and the southern cloisters.
With its blind windows, its height and decorative uniformity, the facade of San Juan gives the appearance of being
a catafalque. Carved into the external pillars of the apse one can see coats of arms and detailed flora relief.
The north facing facade is decorated with chains and manacles which, according to tradition,
were used to encarcerate christians subsequently freed by the Moors at the time of the reconquest of Granada
by the Catholic Monarchs.
The external aspect of the bulding is completed by narrow windows which crown the pinnacled gothic walls
and which appear to add length to the external pilasters. The octagonal vaulted roof or dome crowns
the transept in conjunction with its windows and pinnacles; at its feet a bullrush rounds off the decoration.
The entrance to the temple was originally situated at the base of the nave where a steep staircase made access
and stability difficult. The staircase was closed off in the XVI century and the main entrance facing the esplanade
on the north side was opened. The north entrance is formed by an arch adorned with slanting door posts and is framed
by four pillars featuring gothic ojival decoration. Between the pillars we find statues of Fransiscan saints and over the door
itself there is a lobed triangle, the statue of El Salvador (The Saviour), and the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs.
All this is completed with the image of the cross.
Go to the
Galeria section to view the artsitic and architectural richness of this stunning church.
