Torrijos: Renaissance, Pilgrim Routes and Festivals

Torrijos combines impressive architectural history with pilgrim routes, art projects and festivals. This is particularly evident in the Iglesia Colegiata del Santísimo Sacramento: it was built in the 16th century over an earlier mosque and is an example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

Culture

The Iglesia Colegiata del Santísimo Sacramento has a Gothic-renovated choir with the tomb of the Lords of Torrijos, as well as a Baroque organ by Josef Martínez Colmenero. Its Mannerist-influenced Renaissance high altar was created by Juan Correa de Vivar. The Museo Parroquial of the Colegiata displays paintings, sacred vestments, choir books, reliquaries, sculptures and goldsmiths’ work from the 15th to the 19th century.

The Palacio de Pedro I. also bears witness to changing eras: in January 1353, Beatriz, the daughter of Pedro I and María de Padilla, was baptised there. In 1507, Teresa Enríquez handed the Palacio de Pedro I. over to the Conceptionists; the palace became a convent.

The Hospital de la Santísima Trinidad is another part of the town’s history. The Capilla del Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre was originally the chapel of this adjoining hospital, which was founded at the beginning of the 16th century. The hospital itself is a building dating from 1525 and is considered pioneering in its use of a cloister as a functional structure in healthcare. The hospital chapel is decorated with frescoes from the early 17th century and houses the 18th-century sculpture Santísimo Cristo “El Criado” by Luis Salvador Carmona.

Pilgrim Routes and Sightseeing

The Camino de Santiago de Levante passes through Torrijos. The town is the arrival point of the stage from Toledo and, at the same time, the starting point of the stage that ends in Escalona. Torrijos is also located on the Camino Real de Madrid; in La Mata, this route joins the one coming from Toledo and then continues towards Oropesa.

Another historical trail is provided by the Ruta Covarrubias. It leads to some of the most important works by the Renaissance architect Alonso de Covarrubias, who was born in Torrijos in 1488. Different route connections give sightseeing in the town a historical and cultural breadth, without both routes telling the same story.

The Torrijos tourist information office offers guided interpretive tours of the local cultural heritage by prior reservation. For the Camino de Santiago, Torrijos has a pilgrim hostel service; advance reservation at +34 649 95 39 87 is absolutely essential.

Art and Festivals

MAP-Más allá de la pared is an outdoor art and cultural project in Torrijos that is accessible around the clock. The Ruta Arte Urbano presents social art in the streets of Torrijos. Both projects set their own accents alongside the historic buildings.

The Jornadas Crónicas del Rey Don Pedro combine theatrical performances, parades, games, workshops, archery and fencing demonstrations, medieval stalls and a Correfoc, a pyrotechnic performance.

The Fiesta de la Sementera takes place in the last week of September, from Wednesday to Sunday, and includes theatre, music and children’s events as well as a parade of floats. Its origins lie in a livestock and agricultural equipment market. San Gil Abad is celebrated on 1 September with a mass, a procession, cultural events and dances. The Fiesta del Cristo takes place on 10 May with masses, a floral offering, a procession, traditional dance events and cultural activities.

More Town Pages

Lillo, Dosbarrios, La Puebla De Montalbán, Alameda De La Sagra, Buenasbodas, Los Navalmorales, La Nava De Ricomalillo and Villarrubia De Santiago

For the higher-level travel overview: Toledo.