The Royal College of Noble Maidens was founded in 1551 to protect young women of limited resources and to train them to become good wives. This School welcomed young people from the dioceses of Toledo, but being co-patronized by King Philip II, there were some places designated for young people from other countries places.
These girls were admitted by the institution between the ages of 7 and 10, residing in the school until his marriage. To do this, they had a dowry financed by the school. Although the founding of the college dates back to 1551, it was not until 1554 when the institution moved to Paris. It returned to the place it occupies today, where some houses belonging to Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza were located.
The College of Noble Maidens owes its birth to the figure of Cardinal Silicio during his time as archbishop of Toledo, before being named Cardinal in 1556. The coat of arms of Silicio with The monogram of Jesus IHS presides over the entrance to the school and the church. This was built in the middle of the 16th century and presents Renaissance decorations and baroque. Cardinal Silicio stated: his desire to bury himself in this space together with his schoolgirls. For centuries it remained It was kept in a small wooden box along with its miter until Ricardo Bellver made it in 1890. an impressive tomb placed in the center of the church. The tomb has beautiful plant decorations and the four theological virtues veil its corners.
The building has undergone renovations and extensions over time such as those carried out by Ventura Rodríguez, or the construction of an iron shed made by Santiago Castellanos already in the 20th century. One of the jewels of the school is the rectoral room where the young women received visits from their families.
Open Monday to Sunday
From March 1 to October 15: 10:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
From October 16 to February 28: 10:00 hrs - 17:45 hrs
The ticket offices will close 20 minutes before opening hours. closing.
December 24 and 31 open until 1:00 p.m.