Hospital de Tavera

Hospital de Tavera Review

Architect Alonso de Covarrubias's last work, this hospital lies outside the city walls beyond Toledo's main northern gate. Unfinished and slightly dilapidated, it is nonetheless a fine example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. It also houses the evocatively ramshackle Museo de Duque de Lema in its southern wing. The most important work in the museum's miscellaneous collection is a painting by the 17th-century artist José Ribera. The hospital's monumental chapel holds El Greco's Baptism of Christ and the exquisitely carved marble tomb of Cardinal Tavera, the last work of Alonso de Berruguete. Descend into the crypt to experience some bizarre acoustical effects. A full ticket includes the hospital, museum, old pharmacy, and Renaissance patios. A partial ticket includes everything except the museum.