Church of San Ildefonso, Toledo facts for kids
The Church of San Ildefonso is a beautiful old church in the city of Toledo, Spain. It was built in the Baroque style, which means it has lots of fancy details. People also call it the Jesuit church. It is named after Saint Ildefonso of Toledo, who is a special saint for the city.
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Building the Church
Building this church took a very long time, over 100 years! Work started in 1629. The land for the church was bought by the Jesuits of Toledo way back in 1569. This spot was special because it was believed to be the birthplace of Saint Ildefonso.
Why was it built?
Two important people, Pedro and Estefanía Manrique, helped start the church project. They were part of a noble family in Spain. They wanted to build the church because of their strong devotion to Saint Ildefonso. A founding document from that time says:
It is believed that the glorious Saint Ildefonso was born in these houses. Because we, Don Pedro and Doña Estefanía Manrique, admire this saint so much, we want this church to be named after him. His image should be placed in the main spot on the altar.
— Founding document.
Who designed the church?
The church's design was inspired by other Jesuit churches in Spain, like those in Palencia and Alcalá de Henares. It also followed the style of the Church of the Gesù in Rome, which is a very important Jesuit church.
Many people think Jan Bautista Monegro, who was a master builder at the Cathedral of Toledo, helped with the first plans. A Jesuit brother named Pedro Sánchez was in charge of the actual building work.
Changes in Leadership
Pedro Sánchez passed away in 1633. Another Jesuit, Francisco Bautista, took over. He designed the church's front (facade) and the decorative screen behind the altar (reredos) in the Baroque style.
In 1669, Bautista left the project. Bartolomé Zumbigo, a local architect from Toledo, then finished the towers and the main front of the church.
Finishing the Church
The Church of San Ildefonso was officially opened in 1718. However, some parts were still not finished, like the sacristy (where priests prepare) and the main chapel. The church was finally completed in 1765 under the guidance of Jose Hernandez Sierra.
Sadly, just two years later, the Jesuit order faced a big problem. King Charles III of Spain ordered them to leave Spain. This happened after some riots in 1766. The Jesuits did not get their church back until the 20th century.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Ildefonso (Toledo) para niños
- List of Jesuit sites
