El Salvador Church

THE ENIGMATIC CHURCH THAT STILL PRESERVES ANCIENT VISIGOTHIC PILLARS

GET TO KNOW THE MONUMENT

What to see in El Salvador Church

A unique building in which you can appreciate the superposition of cultures and styles that is Toledo, with roman, visigoth, islamic, gothic, renaissance and baroque elements.

This church is famous, among many other things, for being the place where Queen Juana I of Castile, known as “La Loca”, was baptised in 1479.

Its tower corresponds to the old minaret of an 11th-century mosque and is inlaid with precious visigothic remains reused by the muslims as borders.

Inside you can admire a unique collection of columns from the old mosque in which roman and visigothic elements were inserted, including an impressive visigothic or late roman pilaster decorated with motifs from the life of Christ.

The excavations carried out in the subsoil can be visited, where we can see the roman origins of the building, as well as other archaeological elements of great interest.

You can climb the tower or old minaret and contemplate from its bell tower one of the most unknown views of the district of Santo Tomé towards the four cardinal points.

Archaeological treasures and the enigmatic visigothic pilaster of El Salvador Church in Toledo

A Hidden Treasure in Toledo that despite being located on a busy axis of the historic centre, many people in Toledo are unaware of El Salvador Church. This corner of the Jewish quarter reflects the mark of all the civilisations that have passed through Toledo.

Its visigothic pilaster is a key attraction, standing out as one of the hidden treasures of the millenary city. Recent excavations allow visitors to explore the subsoil and discover the secrets that Toledo holds.

El Salvador Church is a unique, enigmatic and surprising place, which invites you on a fascinating journey through Toledo’s history.

 

El Salvador Church is a medieval jewel with remains of late roman and visigothic buildings. From the 9th century, it was a mosque that preserved its minaret and Arabic arches over a christian cemetery.

In the 12th century, under Alfonso VII, it became a church after a miraculous event with Queen Berenguela of Barcelona. The modern age brought fires and looting, but also new devotional images and a baroque tower. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was damaged by the Napoleonic invasion and a fire, before becoming the headquarters of confraternities and a branch of the parish of Santo Tomé.

Architecture and archaeology of El Salvador Church. Possibly built on roman and visigothic structures, it is notable for its integration of visigothic reliefs and roman elements in its walls. The original mosque, considered the oldest in Toledo, dates from the 9th century, with horseshoe arches and a minaret similar to that of Córdoba. In the 11th century it was enlarged, adding a nave with muslim arches. Recent archaeological research has revealed the original ground plan of the mosque, a courtyard with a cistern, and remains of the 11th-century extension.

The visigothic pilaster with scenes from the life of Christ is a historical jewel of the temple.

Visit the Monument

Buy your tickets to visit El Salvador Church

Toledo tourist wristband ticket

The best option for those looking to get to know the historic centre of the city of Toledo. See 7 of the main monuments with a great discount and save time on your visit.

Buy your tickets online and visit comfortably. With the tourist bracelet we offer you the possibility to visit 7 of the most important and emblematic monuments of Toledo.

Toledo Monumental - Pulsera Turística

Buy online the Toledo Monumental tourist wristband and save on your visit to 7 of the main monuments of Toledo.

14,00€ 28,00€

Buy the tourist wristband

Single Ticket

Would you like to visit the Church with friends or family and you are less than 20 people?

Buy your tickets online and visit comfortably. The single ticket to El Salvador Church includes:

· Individual entrance to El Salvador Church.
· Visit to the archaeological excavation.
· We have audioguides in Spanish, English and French, not included in the price of admission or the tourist bracelet.

General admission

Access to the church and grounds for visitors over 16 years of age.

4,00€

Admission for children, students and Carnet Joven

Admission for children from 11 to 16 years old, student card holders and Carnet Joven (presenting the student or youth card).

3,00€

Entrance fee for large family and disabled up to 64%

Special discounts for large families (presenting the large family card and ID) and people with disabilities under 64% (presenting the disability card).

2,50€

Resident entrance Toledo

Every Sunday afternoon, from 15:00, free entry.

2,00€ 4,00€

Prices per person. Children up to 10 years old free. People with disabilities over 64%, free. Must show at the ticket office the document proving the condition in the cases of Large Family, Youth Card, Students and Residents.

Buy Tickets

School visits

Entrance for educational groups: Schools, Institutes, Universities, Vocational Training Centres, etc…

Schools, upon presentation of a letter of introduction from the school in question, may purchase tickets for individual monument visits or purchase the tourist bracelet. For every 10 bracelets purchased, one free ticket will be provided for the teacher or person in charge.

School Visits – General Admission

Individual visit to El Salvador Church.

3,00€ 4,00€

School Visits Tourist Wristband

Buy the Toledo Monumental tourist wristband online.

14,00€ 28,00€

Buy online

Choose your type of ticket, the day you plan to visit, the number of tickets and pay securely online with Visa, MasterCard or PayPal.

Receive your tickets

We will send you the tickets in PDF to your email and you will be able to access the monument by presenting your tickets or by saving them in your Apple Wallet or Google Pay wallet.

Take the tour

Show your ticket at the monument’s ticket office and don’t forget your camera, as you are allowed to take photographs and videos without flash inside the monument.

Where to find it

How to get to El Salvador Church

Pl. del Salvador, S/N, 45002 Toledo, España

Opening hours

Visiting hours

You can visit the monument from Monday to Sunday with the following timetable:

Summer schedule
From March 1st to October 15th
10:00 – 18:45 h.
Winter schedule
From October 16th to February 28th
10:00 – 17:45 h.

Open from Monday to Sunday.

  • Ticket offices will close 15 minutes before closing time.
  • Sunday opening at 11:30 h.
  • 24th and 31st December until 13:00 h.
  • January 1st and December 25th closed.
  • March 29th, from 13:00 to 18:45.
  • April 3rd, from 10:00 to 15:00.
  • June 4th, from 13:45 to 18:45.
  • August 15th, from 11:30 to 18:45.

BLOG

Related news

Follow the monument’s news and keep up to date with all the latest news: masses, celebrations, workshops, exhibitions, concerts and much more!

Evolution of the Architecture of the Church of El Salvador

  The Church of El Salvador is one of the most fascinating examples of Toledo’s religious art. Not only for its eclectic architecture, but also as a physical witness to the many cultures that once ruled the city. Within its walls coexist Visigothic symbolism, Islamic elegance, Romanesque austerity, and Baroque splendor. Visiting it is like […]

The Visigothic Moldings of the Tower: Fragments of a Distant Past

  The tower of the Church of El Salvador, located in the heart of Toledo’s historic district, is a prominent example of how architecture can reflect centuries of transformation. Although it is now part of a Christian temple, the tower was originally built as a minaret during the Islamic period, incorporating materials from earlier buildings. […]

The Mirador of Toledo: History Through the Bell Tower of the Church of El Salvador

The bell tower of the Church of El Salvador in Toledo is much more than just a simple tower; it is a true witness to the passage of time and the architectural and cultural transformations that have shaped the city. From its sturdy foundations to the summit rising above the Toledo skyline, this structure represents […]

How to Visit Toledo in One Day with the Tourist Bracelet: Recommended Itinerary

Toledo is a city full of history, art, and culture, and the best way to discover its most emblematic monuments is with the Toledo Tourist Bracelet. Many wonder what to visit in Toledo in one day, and thanks to the Toledo Tourist Bracelet, you will have a single entry that grants access to seven impressive […]

El Salvador: A vortex of ancient energies

A convergence point of ancient forces, where the site has been revered as sacred since antiquit The Church of El Salvador in Toledo is a living testament to the rich overlap of cultures and beliefs that have shaped the city’s history. Beyond its architectural and historical value, this temple stands on a site that, according […]
Detalle de la columna Iglesia del Salvador

El Salvador Church, discover more of its Visigothic pilaster.

The visigothic pilaster, thought by some to be early christian, is one of the oldest pieces in which four scenes from the life of Christ are depicted.
Visita virtual Iglesia de El Salvador Toledo

360º virtual tour of the Church of El Salvador

We invite you to immerse yourself in this historical experience through a 360º virtual tour of the Church of El Salvador. Explore its architectural treasures and the history hidden behind its walls.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any discounts?

The wristband itself is a discount voucher, so no extra discount is applied to the price. You will save more than 60% compared to visiting the monuments individually.

Is there a specific route to visit the 7 monuments?

No, the wristband is intended for the convenience of the visitor, so you can buy the bracelet at any of the 7 monuments, and visit them all in the order you prefer.

Which monuments can I visit with the tourist wristband?

The Toledo Monumental tourist wristband allows you to visit San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, Santa María La Blanca Synagogue of , El Salvador Church, Santo Tomé Church, Cristo de la Luz Mosque, Jesuits Church (San Ildefonso) and the Royal College of Noble Maids.

How much does the Toledo tourist wristband cost?

The tourist wristband on the official website costs €14 per person.

How much is the individual ticket for each monument?

Individual entry to any of the monuments of Toledo Monumental costs €4 per person, each monument.

How does the tourist wristband work?

If you buy the wristband online, you must validate the voucher that you receive by email after purchase at any of the monuments and you will be provided with the physical wristband. The bracelet must be worn on your wrist to gain access to the different monuments.

Can I take photos inside the monuments?

Of course! You can take photos without flash at any of the monuments.

How much does the children's wristband and individual tickets cost?

Access to the monuments is free for children under the age of 11 when accompanied by an adult who has access.

How long is the wristband valid?

The bracelet is valid for seven days from the date of purchase. The material of which it is made even allows bathing, so you can wear it for all the days of your stay in Toledo.

Is it possible to buy tickets at the ticket offices of the monuments?

Both the individual tickets to the different monuments and the tourist bracelet can be purchased at the ticket office of any of the monuments, but if you want to save time, we recommend you to buy your tickets online through this link.

Are there any additional discounts for school visits?

No prior booking is required for school visits, and there are special rates for school groups, university groups, etc. All that is required is accreditation from teaching groups in the form of an official letter from the school, stamped and signed with the group’s details.
Visits to a monument have a reduced price of €3 for students.

Is it possible to visit all the monuments in 1 day?

It depends on how much time you spend at each monument but there are many tourists who visit all 7 monuments in one day. You can organise your visit to suit you and to make it easier, we ask you to share your location anonymously to show you how far you are from each monument and we show you the opening and closing times of each one.

COMMENTS

Visitor´s reviews

1083 Reviews

4.3
Manu LM
Esta iglesia y su torre está levantada sobre una antigua mezquita con su alminar. Los restos arqueológicos pueden ser visitados. Como particularidad, una de sus arcadas integra una pilastra visigótica muy llamativa. La visita se hace relativamente rápido.
Narisa Gómez
Fue una grata sorpresa. En la iglesia destaca la columna visigoda, y también se puede acceder al campanario. Además, su patio es un pequeño yacimiento arqueológico.
A.B
Una iglesia en su origen fue de origen del siglo IX, conserva en sus muros restos de edificios tardorromanos y visigodos, una torre sobre primitivo almíbar de la mezquita y una pilastra paleocristiana o visigoda con las escenas de la vida de Cristo. Además se puede visitar el conjunto arqueológico en sus interiores
Kirk
La Iglesia de El Salvador está situada en Toledo, cerca de las Iglesias de Santo Tomé y del Convento de Santa Úrsula. Es una de las iglesias mencionadas en el Lazarillo de Tormes, y aquí fueron bautizados Juana de Castilla ("la Loca") y el dramaturgo Francisco de Rojas Zorrilla. La iglesia actual está construida sobre la mezquita, por lo que está orientada al sureste en dirección a La Meca. (...)