Hospital de Tavera

In_1988_the_State_signed_an_agreement_with_the_Ducal_House_of_Medinaceli,_owner_of_the_building,_which_ceded_a_part_of_it_to_house_the_left,_which_moved_to_Toledo_and_began_to_operate_in_1993_in_its_new_dependencies.|Santa Rufina-->|thumb|left]] Hospital de Tavera, also known as the Hospital de San Juan Bautista, is a historic building and former hospital located in Toledo, Spain. It was founded in the 16th century by Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera and is a prime example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The hospital was designed by the architect Alonso de Covarrubias and completed by Bartolomé Bustamante.

History

The construction of the Hospital de Tavera was initiated in 1541 and completed in 1603. It was established to serve as a hospital and pantheon for its founder, Cardinal Tavera. The building reflects the humanist ideals of the Renaissance, combining its functions with a grand architectural design. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including a hospital, a nobility archive, and currently houses the Museo Fundación Lerma, which contains an important collection of art, including works by El Greco, Zurbarán, and Tintoretto, among others.

Architecture

The Hospital de Tavera is noted for its Renaissance architecture, characterized by its symmetry, classical orders, and harmony. The main facade is an impressive example of the Spanish Renaissance, featuring a grand entrance with a relief of Saint John the Baptist, to whom the hospital is dedicated. The interior includes a courtyard surrounded by arcades, a church, and various rooms that served the hospital's functions. The church within the complex is a highlight, containing the tomb of Cardinal Tavera, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by Alonso Berruguete.

Museum

Today, the Hospital de Tavera is home to the Museo Fundación Lerma, which showcases a rich collection of Spanish art, historical documents, and pharmacy items. The museum's art collection includes paintings, sculptures, and tapestries from the 16th to the 17th centuries, offering insights into the Spanish Renaissance and Baroque periods. The archive contains valuable historical documents, including the archives of the noble family of the House of Lerma.

Significance

The Hospital de Tavera is a significant monument in Toledo, representing the architectural and cultural achievements of the Spanish Renaissance. It serves as a testament to the period's humanist ideals, combining beauty, function, and philanthropy. The building's history as a hospital, its architectural beauty, and its current role as a museum make it an important site for visitors interested in Spanish history and art.