Get to know one of El Greco paintings and most important works of art in the city of Toledo. We will explain the most important details of this work of art: The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Enjoy this explanation to get to know and enjoy this emblematic painting from El Greco.
Coming to Toledo is also visiting the city of El Greco and El Greco paintings, who was a painter of excellence of the city of Toledo. Although he hailed from the island of Crete, hence his Greek origin, he was settled in the city of Toledo from when he arrived in 1577 until his death in 1614.
His valuable legacy was sold to the Crown, to important noble families and to the church, being distributed throughout the city and currently being able to visit those locations for which they were originally painted.
In such a way that, when we approach the Church of Santo Tomé located in the Jewish Quarter of Toledo, we would have the privilege of contemplating the most important and spectacular work of the El Greco paintings, which is his famous painting: “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”.
Considered his masterpiece and of greater dimensions, it is shown to us on the wall of a chapel attached to the church, where the body of Don Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo, Lord of the Villa de Orgaz and Notary Major of the Kingdom of Castile, was buried. A very powerful, religious and well-placed knight who must have died even as a young man.
If we visited the painting we would see two well differentiated parts. The first one is an inferior part where the Funeral is represented, the more human side, with portraits of characters of the time, among which the presence of the painter himself stands out, especially the power of the Church is appreciated. You can see the representation of the Dominican Monks or of the Royalty with a portrait of the Monarch Felipe II, as well as of the high noble spheres and religious orders of the moment.
In the upper part, the second part, the most divine side is represented with a heavenly glory. We can clearly appreciate the ascent of the soul to heaven, as in a more didactic effort if possible. This is to transmit to the people who were illiterate and uneducated to the greatest extent, through the images, that magnificent arrival of the soul to heaven.
We will observe how the figure of God, represented as an immense light that floods the entire upper part, will wait for us on high as the Father of all and the Virgin Mary,
At his side if you see it a little lower, with his sweetest gaze, he will throw his hands to maternally welcome the soul of the deceased, all while the Apostle Saint Peter shows us his keys to open the Gates of heaven for us. Undoubtedly the work of art will not leave us indifferent and will make us reflect.
How to visit Toledo from Madrid?
Tour Travel & More is a private Tour Operator that only operates private Tours, our driver will pick you up in Madrid in a luxury Vehicle, Mercedes E, Viano, Mini Bus, depending on the number of people. If you do not want to be picked up and returned by our driver, you can go on your own by vehicle and train and our guide will pick you up in Toledo directly. Once you are in Toledo, our private guide will pick you up. Your private guide will give you a tour of the city, the duration of this tour is 3 Hours. When the tour ends we will drop off at a restaurant near the city center so you can eat and enjoy free time before returning to Madrid with our private chauffeur or on your own.
Option A: Private Tour to Toledo from Madrid
Option B: Private Walking Tour of Toledo
Here is the link so that you can see more information about the Tour and you can contact us through the GET QUOTE that appears in the Tours or through the contact form on the WEB and you can request a quotation.
Who is our Guide in Toledo?
One of our start guides in Toledo is Luis, in addition to being a magnificent guide, he is our star guide, ensuring quality service.
He is also an Official Tour Guide of Toledo and carries out its work daily in this city that he loves and that knows him from the day he was born and to which he dedicates himself body and soul.
He is passionate about his city, a constant researcher and in love with its immense Heritage.
Teaching Toledo to our travellers is a pleasure for Luis. It is a city that surrounds you, captivates you upon arrival.
Walking through its streets is like going back to the past. It is like going back to the 16th century and having the feeling that at any moment in one of its winding, dark and cobbled streets, a Knight riding a horse with his armor and his sword is going to appear at any time around the corner to challenge each other to a duel.
Toledo is a unique city, walking through the same places that centuries ago were the Knights Templar, the Holy Inquisition or the non-Catholic Kings among others, is priceless.
Declared by UNESCO since 1986, and of International Tourist Interest, World Heritage City.
A city with more than 100 monuments of cultural interest, one of the most beautiful panoramas in Spain and with the second largest historical center in the world after Rome and in terms of conglomeration of monuments.
Coming to Spain and not visiting Toledo would be like missing part of the essence of the country’s History. Toledo is just an hour away of the city of Madrid.
You will discover a city anchored in the past for centuries in which we always have something new to discover.
You have to come and see Toledo with your own eyes. Toledo will not leave you indifferent.
