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Church of Santo Tomé | Gothic, Mudéjar, and Baroque styles under one roof

If you're visiting Toledo from Madrid for a day, the Church of Santo Tomé is one of the stops that brings together art, history, and architecture in a single experience. Located in the old Jewish Quarter, it is best known for housing El Greco's most famous painting. But beyond that, it offers a calm yet meaningful glimpse into Toledo's multi-layered past.

Why visit the Church of Santo Tomé

El Greco's masterpiece

The church is home to The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, one of El Greco's most celebrated works. Housed in a special side chapel, this painting alone makes the visit worthwhile. The level of detail and emotion captured here is remarkable and is best appreciated in person.

A blend of syles

While the exterior is modest, the inside reflects Toledo's layered past. You’ll find Mudéjar brickwork, Gothic arches, and Baroque chapels coexisting in a small, manageable space that’s easy to take in during a short stop.

Historic Jewish Quarter

The church is located just a short walk from other key spots like the Synagogue of El Tránsito and the Sephardic Museum. It’s part of a neighborhood that reflects Toledo’s mixed Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage.

What to see inside the Church of Santo Tomé

The Burial of the Count of Orgaz by El Greco

This is the main attraction. The painting covers an entire wall and is protected behind glass. You’ll notice how El Greco combines the real and divine worlds, with saints descending to welcome the Count’s soul.

The Main Altar

The Baroque altarpiece is impressive and filled with gold leaf, statues, and religious symbolism. It stands in contrast to the simpler walls around it, highlighting the church's evolving design over the centuries.

Mudéjar Tower

The bell tower is made from brick and includes decorative elements typical of Mudéjar design which is a blend of Islamic and Christian styles. It’s worth stepping outside for a good look.

Sculptures and paintings

There are smaller artworks scattered around the church, including wooden sculptures and minor paintings that reflect Spanish religious art from different periods.

Planning your visit

People standing in line outside a building, waiting for entry.
  • March 1 – October 15: 10am – 6:45pm
  • October 16 – February 28: 10am – 5:45pm
  • Closed: January 1 and December 25
  • The last entry is 20 minutes before closing.
Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, Spain, with its iconic bell tower and historic architecture.
  • General admission: €3
  • Included in the Toledo Tourist Bracelet
  • Also part of many full-day Madrid to Toledo tour itineraries

​Entry to Church of Santo Tome is included in the Toledo full-day trip that starts from Madrid

If you're walking through the Jewish Quarter, it’s just a few minutes from the Synagogue of El Tránsito and Santa María la Blanca. From Zocodover Square, it's about a 10-minute walk.

Tourist group with guide outside a sword shop in Toledo.
  • Try to visit early or mid-morning to avoid crowds
  • Photography is allowed, but no flash
  • The church is small, so even a 20-minute visit can be enough
  • Consider visiting nearby attractions right after, as they are close by

A brief history of the Church of Santo Tomé

Founded in the 12th Century

The original structure was built shortly after Toledo was reclaimed from Muslim rule. It was constructed over the site of an older mosque, a common practice at the time to reassert Christian dominance in the region.

Rebuilt in the 14th Century

In the early 1300s, the church was almost entirely reconstructed by Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo, the Lord of Orgaz. He funded the building project and was later buried there. His tomb later became the subject of El Greco’s painting.

Baroque and later additions

Over the centuries, elements like the main altarpiece and some chapels were added in Baroque style. The bell tower, with its Mudéjar design, is one of the few remnants of the original mosque structure.

Frequently asked questions about the Church of Santo Tomé

The church is best known for housing The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, one of El Greco’s most important paintings. This masterpiece draws visitors from all over the world and is displayed in a special side chapel within the church.