Church of Santo Tomé Toledo (Burial of the Count of Orgaz)
Home to El Greco's masterpiece, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz,' this historic church offers a profound art experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Church of Santo Tomé Toledo (Burial of the Count of Orgaz)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to El Greco's masterpiece, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz,' this historic church offers a profound art experience.
"Pure magic standing in front of it and studying it in person!"
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
🖼️ Focus on the Masterpiece
The main draw is El Greco's 'Burial of the Count of Orgaz'.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Burial of the Count of Orgaz
Main Hall
El Greco's masterpiece, a breathtaking painting with intricate details that captivates viewers.
El Greco's Artistic Genius
Main Hall
Experience the magic of El Greco's work up close, a truly memorable encounter for art lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Check Church Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
🖼️ Focus on the Masterpiece
The main draw is El Greco's 'Burial of the Count of Orgaz'.
Does anyone know anything about this photo or the story behind it? I found it today at goodwill and it’s absolutely incredible.
📸 Photos Allowed
Capture the stunning artwork; photography and videos are permitted.
⏳ Quick Visit
It's a small space, making it a memorable but brief stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
🖼️ Focus on the Masterpiece
The main draw is El Greco's 'Burial of the Count of Orgaz'.
📸 Photos Allowed
Capture the stunning artwork; photography and videos are permitted.
⏳ Quick Visit
It's a small space, making it a memorable but brief stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise El Greco's 'Burial of the Count of Orgaz' as a breathtaking masterpiece, making the visit worthwhile despite potential limitations in church access. While the viewing space can be crowded and the church itself may be closed, the opportunity to see this iconic painting up close is a highlight for many.
"The Iglesia de Santo Tomé in Toledo Spain is a tiny church home to the incredible El Greco masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The painting alone makes it worth the visit! Be prepared to move very slowly in a line through a tight space with lots of people. They crowd is guided forward every few minutes.
Tickets are required at the entrance, not expensive. This is a quick but memorable stop! Pictures and videos are allowed. Greco has become one of my top ten favorite artists after visiting Spain!"
How it is Liz
"Worth every cent to see this magnificent painting by El Greco! What more can I say? Pure magic standing in front of it and studying it in person!
I would definitely recommend purchasing tickets on line and skipping the line to purchase tickets at the entrance."
Linda Bailey
"The access was only to the hall with the El Greco’s masterpiece.
There is one more painting there.
There was no access to the church itself (I don’t know if it is the usual practice)."
Yuliya Dankova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of Santo Tomé is located in the historic center of Toledo. You can reach it by walking from most central points in the city. If coming from outside the city center, local buses are available.
Parking in Toledo's historic center is very limited. It's best to use public parking garages on the outskirts of the old town and walk, or use public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is not expensive, typically around €4. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to skip the entrance line.
Opening hours can vary, and sometimes the church itself might be closed, with access only to the hall containing the El Greco painting. It's advisable to check the most current hours and access information before your visit.
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but buying them online beforehand is highly recommended to avoid potential queues.
Often, access is limited to the hall displaying El Greco's 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. The main church area may not always be open to the public.
🎫 🖼️ Art & Experience
The primary attraction is El Greco's magnificent masterpiece, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz,' renowned for its intricate details and artistic brilliance.
Yes, photography and videos are generally allowed inside the hall where El Greco's painting is displayed, allowing you to capture its beauty.
A visit is usually quite brief, often described as a quick but memorable stop, as the focus is on viewing the single, significant painting.
Absolutely! Many visitors find seeing the painting in person to be a magical and deeply impactful experience, far surpassing viewing reproductions.
🎫 ⛪ Religious Services
Yes, daily mass is held at the church. However, the times listed online may not always be accurate, so it's best to confirm the schedule upon arrival or check locally.
Yes, it is an active Catholic church where services like daily mass, adoration, and vespers are held, offering a reverent atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger Toledo exploration. The brief visit means it won't disrupt a family's schedule, and it offers a chance to see a world-renowned artwork. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the immediate vicinity might be limited.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Many art historians and critics consider this painting El Greco's magnum opus. Appreciating it within the context of the church, even if access is limited, adds to the significance. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to have a more contemplative experience with the artwork.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
El Greco's Masterpiece: The Burial of the Count of Orgaz
Visitors are often struck by the painting's vibrant colors, dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro), and elongated figures, characteristic of El Greco's unique style. The detail in the portraits of the contemporary figures in the lower section, including the artist himself, adds a personal touch. The sheer scale and emotional intensity of the work make it a profoundly moving experience to witness firsthand.
While the church itself may have limited access, the opportunity to stand before this iconic artwork is what draws most visitors. It's a chance to connect with a significant piece of art history and appreciate the genius of El Greco in its intended setting.
Visiting the Church of Santo Tomé: Practicalities
Be aware that access might be restricted to the hall containing the painting, with the main church area sometimes closed off. This is a common practice, so it's wise to manage expectations. Despite this, the experience of viewing 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz' up close is widely considered worth the admission fee.
Photography and video recording are generally permitted, allowing you to capture the stunning details of the artwork. The church also functions as an active place of worship, so while the art is the main draw, you might encounter religious services.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit