Description of the attraction
The Church of San Roman is one of the oldest buildings in Toledo, as a result of which elements and techniques of several architectural styles from different eras are intertwined in its appearance.
The building of the church on this site was erected by the Visigoths in the 6th century. There is also information that an ancient Roman temple was located here earlier. Subsequently, the church was used by the Arab conquerors, who rebuilt it in the Moorish style in the 13th century. In 1221, the church was consecrated by Archbishop Rodrigo Jimenez de Rada. According to some reports, on August 26, 1166, King Alfonso VIII of Castile was crowned in this temple.
The church is located on a hill at one of the highest points of Toledo. In plan, the church has three naves, separated by rows of arches supported by Roman columns. The walls of the building are decorated with Romanesque paintings and decorative elements in the Mudejar style. In the 16th century, according to the project and under the direction of Alonso de Covarrubias, the dome of the building was rebuilt in the Spanish plateresque style. The interior walls of the basilica are decorated with frescoes of extraordinary beauty, depicting scenes from the Gospel, the Last Judgment, as well as angels and saints.
Today, the Church of San Roman is of great interest to visitors also because the Museum of Visigoth culture is located inside the building, which displays ancient manuscripts, household items, products from precious stones, weapons, clothing and other artifacts dating back to the Visigoth period.
