Legend of Cristo de las cuchilladas

We’re passing by the Church of Santos Justo y Pastor, where one of Toledo’s most famous legends was born. Plus, since we’re in the city that forges the finest blades in the world, why not share a little swashbuckling story while we’re at it? We’re in 1467 in Toledo, and just like in Verona, there are two families in constant dispute. No Montagues or Capulets, but we have here the Silvas and the Ayalas. As you’ve probably guessed, Doña Isabel Silva is in love with Don Diego Ayala—a romance that neither family approves of. One evening, as Don Diego heads out to secretly meet his beloved, he passes through the Plaza de San Justo, where you’re standing right now. A devoted Christian, he stops at the church to say a prayer. Suddenly, he hears a young woman crying for help. He doesn’t hesitate to draw his sword and rush towards the commotion, only to discover that armed men, sent by his own family, are trying to kidnap Isabel. Our hero throws himself into battle, but the attackers are too many and he struggles to defend her. As the two of them find themselves cornered against the church wall, he begins to pray for their salvation. Then a miracle occurs: the church walls open up and swallow the lovers whole. The assailants are stunned and frozen in place. They try to open the main door but fail. Suddenly, the couple is saved by another miracle: the church bells begin to ring loudly, so loud that the townspeople rush out into the streets. The attackers, panicked by the inexplicable events, flee the scene. And that, dear visitor, is the legend of the Christ of the Gashes of Toledo.