The Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, located in Talavera de la Reina, is an outstanding historical monument that combines elements of the Gothic-Mudejar style with Baroque details. Its main construction dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, and its structure stands out for its rectangular floor plan with three longitudinal naves, topped by polygonal apses and without a transept. The vaults of the naves are ribbed, with terceletes in the central nave. A distinctive element is the flamboyant Gothic rose window on the main façade, made of clad brick. The tower, built in the 18th century, and the main entrance door, known as the Puerta de los Apóstoles, are other architectural highlights. In addition, the 15th century Gothic cloister houses the remains of Fernando de Rojas, author of “La Celestina”, commemorated by a ceramic plaque since its transfer in 1980.
Inside, the church houses a valuable artistic heritage. The main altarpiece, in neoclassical style, is presided over by a canvas of the Assumption of Mary, the work of Mariano Salvador Maella. The side chapels contain works of great value, such as the canvas of the apparition of Santa Leocadia to San Ildefonso and King Recaredo, painted by Blas de Prado in 1592. The chapels of the Santos Mártires, Santa Ana or de los Reyes, Santa María del Pópulo, and the chapel of Cristo de los Espejos, with altarpieces and funerary monuments from the 15th century, also stand out. Talavera ceramics, especially visible in the altarpiece of the Cristo del Mar and the Santos Mártires, add a distinctive local touch.
- Address
Pl. del Pan, Talavera de la Reina, Toledo - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Tomb of poet Fernando de Rojas, Cristo de los Espejos
