Toledo is an emblematic and historical city that sits on a hill above the Castilla-La Mancha plains of Spain. It is the capital of the region and is famous for many beautiful Moorish, Christian, and Jewish monuments throughout its ancient walled city. Another of the city’s claims to fame is that this is the same Toledo that was once home to the Greek Mannerist artist El Greco. Nicknamed El Greco (the Greek), his birth name was Doménikos Theotokópoulos. This artist is best known for his role in the Spanish Renaissance. Learn more about this iconic painter by reading this guide to El Greco Museum, Toledo.
Things to do / Highlights
El Greco Museum honors the famous Mannerist painter El Greco, who was born Doménikos Theotokópoulos in Fodele, Crete, but spent most of his life in Toledo. Due to the fact that he was born in Greece, he received the name “El Greco” (the Greek). He was trained in both Greece and Italy before he headed to Spain. The works on display here are among the most modern, painted by one of the greatest geniuses of the art world and are considered the most important of the period. The museum is located in Toledo’s Jewish Quarter and was first opened in 1911. The following are the main features worth viewing at the museum.
See the View and Plan of Toledo painting
Highly representative of the work of El Greco, the museum is home to this well-known work, as well as the famous painting “The Tears of St. Peter” (Las lágrimas de San Pedro). The View of Toledo corresponds to the city in the 16th century and includes civil and religious buildings, many of which can be perfectly identified, although some are missing today.
Admire the museum's architecture
The museum building was constructed at the start of the 20th century by combining a previous building from the 16th century and a Renaissance palace. It was the Marquess de la Vega-Inclan who acquired the buildings, adding original furniture and equipment from the 16th century for effect. The completed museum was inaugurated in 1912.
Tour El Greco Museum
El Greco Museum focuses on the work and influence of El Greco and his personality. There are a number of galleries exhibiting the work of the artist, as well as other influential Mannerist and Baroque painters like Murillo, Luis Tristan, Valdes Leal, and more, as well as sculptures, furniture, textiles, decorative objects, and archaeological pieces.
Stop by Mudejar Caves
The museum also incorporates Mudejar Caves, which were preserved from the city’s Moorish past, as well as a garden displaying a sculpture of Marquess de la Vega-Inclan. There is also a restful courtyard, built in the style of an Andalucian patio.
Travelers tips
Get the audio guide
An audio guide is available in a variety of languages, including English. You can ask the museum staff about it to make the most of your visit.
Ask for a museum volunteer
It is possible to hire the services of a museum volunteer to learn more about the museum and its history.
Accessibility
The museum building has access ramps for people in wheelchairs as well as an elevator to reach other floors in the building. Induction loops and sound amplifiers are available for audio guides.
How to get there
From Madrid:
By Train
Catch the Renfe AVN high-speed train from Madrid Atocha Railway Station to Toledo railway station. From there, it’s a 25-minute walk to the museum.
By Car
Leave from Plaza Eliptica en Madrid and travel on Autovía A42 Madrid - Toledo.
By Bus
Catch bus No. 5 (Zocodover station) or 12 (Juderia station). You can also get the 5, 6.1, or 6.2 bus from Ferrocarril (AVE) station.
From Toledo City Center:
By Car
To reach El Greco Museum by car from the city center, the eight-minute journey starts by following Calle Real del Arrabal to Paseo Merchan. At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Paseo Merchan. Continue until you get to Paseo Recaredo, and then Calle de los Reyes Catolicos until you reach Paseo Transito and the museum.
By Bus
Catch the No. 5 bus (Zocodover station), 12 (Juderia station), or the 5, 6.1, or 6.2 bus from AVE station.
How to book tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the door. However, should visitors wish to reserve tickets prior to their visit, they can head to the museum’s official website and look for the “Bookings” tab under “Visit”.
Individual visits
Tickets can be reserved online or bought at the ticket office at the museum. If reserved online, a confirmation will be sent by email with the date and time of the visit. The confirmation must be handed in at the ticket office on arrival.
Group visits
Groups of 8 to 20 people must reserve tickets online prior to their visit. The same policy follows - confirmation of the reservation will be sent by email and it must be presented at the ticket office on arrival at El Greco Museum.
El Greco Museum information
El Greco Museum
Address: Paseo Tránsito, s/n, 45002 Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
Cost: 3.33 USD (3 EUR)
Website: El Greco Museum
Department of tourism: Spain
History
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