Construction of this Jesuit church began in 1629 on the former house of its namesake, San Ildefonso de Teledo. He was the city’s archbishop from 657 – 667. More importantly, he experienced a Marian apparition in 665. During this miraculous appearance, the Virgin Mary gave San Ildefonso a chasuble (priestly vestment) from God. San Ildefonso was named a Father of the Latin Church. The Church of San Ildefonso was not finished for 136 years, shortly before the Jesuits were expelled from Spain by King Carlos III in 1766. If you like this perspective, then imagine the view from the tower’s observation deck.
