2. THE CHOIR

 The choir of Toledo Cathedral is one of the most impressive parts of the building. It is located in the central nave, right in front of the main altar, which is unusual — in most cathedrals, the choir is further back. This makes it very visible and important.

The choir was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance art. It was the place where the canons and priests sang prayers and held part of the religious services. They sat in special wooden seats called stalls, arranged in two levels: the upper and lower choir.

These choir stalls are beautifully carved from wood, with very detailed decorations. Many of them show scenes from the conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs (Isabel and Ferdinand). You can also find animals, monsters, plants, and biblical scenes. Each seat is different and full of small artistic surprises.

The lower stalls were carved by Rodrigo Alemán, a German artist, around 1495. He included not only religious scenes but also elements from daily life and fantasy. The upper stalls, from the 16th century, show more classical forms and were made by Spanish artists.

In the middle of the choir area, there is a beautiful lectern (a stand for books) and a large organ on each side. These pipe organs were used to accompany the singing during services and celebrations. Their sound fills the entire cathedral.

Above the choir, you can see the Mozarabic chapel, used for special masses in the old Visigothic rite. It reminds us that Toledo has always been a place where different cultures and religions met.