Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo


Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo was a Spanish aristocrat who died in 1323. Best known by the title "Count of Orgaz", he is depicted in a 16th century painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, by El Greco which is widely acknowledged as the artist's masterpiece.
The painting was commissioned for display in the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, where it remains to this day.
It was part of a project organised in the 1580s by a priest, Andrés Núñez, who was refurbishing the burial chapel of Gonzalo Ruiz.
The painting juxtaposes the miraculous events which, according to legend, took place at the time the Count was buried with realistic depictions of the inhabitants of Toledo.
Núñez is portrayed in the painting, as are contemporaries from Toledo including the artist himself.

Access to the church

The church is opened on a daily basis. The building is of architectural interest, but the main attraction for tourists is the painting. An entrance fee is charged.