Iglesia de los Jesuitas Toledo – Epic Church + Incredible City View!

Where is the Iglesia de los Jesuitas?

The Iglesia de los Jesuitas is located in the city of Toledo, Spain, south of Madrid.

The church is in the center of the old city, a 10 minutes walk from the Alcazar de Toledo.

Facts about the Iglesia de los Jesuitas Toledo

Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about the Iglesia de los Jesuitas for you:

• the construction of the church took more than 100 years
• it was built on the birthplace of San Ildefonso (Saint Ildefonsus), patron Saint of Toledo, hence the name
• the church was consecrated in 1718, but was still incomplete with the sacristy, main chapel and octave still needing work

• all of the construction was finished in 1765
• 2 years after the church was finished, the Jesuits were expelled from Spain by King Charles III of Spain
• it’s only in the 20th century that the Jesuits recovered the church

Discovering the Iglesia de San Ildefonso Toledo

The first monument that I wanted to visit in Toledo was the Toledo Cathedral. As I arrived in front of the cathedral, I realized that we were Sunday, which meant the cathedral was closed all morning.

I had no other plans, as this Toledo trip was totally unplanned, so I set out in the streets, and walked around looking for something to visit (want to avoid being lost like me? Check out this free self guided walking tour of Toledo)

After discovering some really nice streets in the center of Toledo, I arrived in a street with a massive blue dome at the end; it peaked my interest, and I decided to try and see if I could enter this monument.

I looped around, and reached the main entrance: it was the Iglesia de San Ildefonso.

As soon as I stepped in the church, I was taken aback by how beautiful it was inside. The tall nave leading all the way to the altar, with the dome at the end, with massive windows letting light through and illuminating the room.

The main altar is a fine masterpiece, with a giant painting behind, and finely decorated with gold and sculptures.

Right above the altar is the massive dome that I saw from the outside. I always love to look up when I’m in churches because you discover so much beauty in the ceilings. The dome is surrounded by windows, which help lighten up the place.

There is also a tall window on the other side of the church, right above the pipe organ, that shines a warm light inside the church.

Can you see the people on the balconies? Yes, in this church you can access the first floor, where you’ll have a view of the nave from above! To access it, take the stairs far right in the back.

Here is the view you get from the first floor balcony:

Not bad, right? I loved the fact that there is an upper level in the church, because usually there’s only one, and you can only see the church from the bottom. In the Iglesia de los Jesuitas you can have a different perspective on the church.

Climb Up the Towers

But wait, there’s more!

Remember the 2 twin towers on each side?

Well, you can go up there!

When you’re on the first balcony, you’ll find a door next to the pipe organ, that will take you all the way up the towers by climbing a long metal staircase.

When you’re get up the first tower, you’ll be greeted by an incredible view over Toledo: with the Cathedral in the right, and the Alcazar in the left.

In the tower itself, there’s a net that kind of hinders the view: but don’t worry, you can actually go outside on the balcony. Just open the door and walk outside 🙂

From the balcony you’ll have the best view over the city. To me this was really the most interesting part of the church, being able to climb up in the twin towers, and get this stunning view over Toledo.

San Ildefonso Church Tickets

You have to buy a ticket to visit the Iglesia de San Ildefonso. It gives you access to the inside of the church, as well as to the towers to see the city from above.

The church is included in the Toledo Tourist Bracelet, a tourist card that includes entries to 7 monuments for 10€.

San Ildefonso Toledo Opening Hours

The opening hours for the Iglesia San Ildefonso de Toledo vary depending on the time of year, so make sure to check below.

Please note that last entry/last tickets sales are 20 minutes before closing time.

How to Get to Toledo

You can either get to Toledo by car, or by train.

By car

Toledo is a perfect day trip from Madrid, and from other Spanish cities. You’ll find below the driving time from nearby cities:

From Madrid: 1h

From Segovia: 1h35

From Valencia: 3h30

It’s difficult to drive and park in the city; the best option is to find a parking outside of the city walls, then walk to the center.

When you’ll reach Toledo, head to the north east of the city, right outside of the city walls. This is where you’ll find the cheapest parking options, and the most parking spaces available.

By train

If you don’t have a car, you can get to Toledo by train from Madrid. There is a direct train that goes straight from Madrid to Toledo.

From: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha

To: Toledo

Duration: 33 minutes

Cost: 13.90€ (average price)

Book here: Train to Toledo

You can also take the trains from other cities in Spain (Barcelona, Segovia, …), just click on the link above to see all options.

From the Toledo train station, you can walk to the city center, which will take you around 20 minutes.

Where to Stay Near the Iglesia San Ildefonso Toledo

If you’re visiting Toledo, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:

Budget: Albergue Juvenil Los Pascuales

Cheapest accommodation in Toledo, for around 14€ per night.

This youth hostel is only 2 minutes away from the Toledo Cathedral and the Toledo Castle. It also comes with included breakfast!

Comfy: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes

The Hotel San Juan de los Reyes is my favorite accommodation for a comfy stay in Avila, for around 75€ per night.

It’s ideally located in Toledo, a short walk from all the main sights. The beds are pretty comfy, and the included breakfast makes it a perfect choice for your stay in Avila. You’ll also enjoy free parking (which is nice in Toledo), and spacious bathroom with a hydro-massage bathtubs, perfect to relax after a long day of exploration in the city.

Luxury: Almunia de San Miguel

The best hotel in Toledo, hands down.

The Almunia de San Miguel has everything you’ll need, and even more: free parking, breakfast included, incredible rooms, and the location… The hotel is right next to the castle and the cathedral, you can’t be closer! There’s even a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Toledo and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Toledo Guides:

The Best Things to Do in Toledo!

The Stunning Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca

Visit the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes

Spain Guides:

Best Sunrise Spot in Mallorca

Free Walking Tour of Avila

How to get from Madrid to Segovia

I hope you enjoy your trip to Toledo and to Spain!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.