Why did El Greco settle permanently in Toledo?

El Greco settled in Toledo primarily to pursue a new career in Spain, likely motivated by the prospect of working on King Philip II’s major project, the monastery of San Lorenzo at El Escorial.1

Upon arriving in Spain in 1577, he initially visited Madrid before establishing himself in Toledo, where he received his first significant Spanish commission from Diego de Castilla for the conventual church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo. Following this success, he remained in the city for the rest of his life, becoming deeply integrated into its intellectual and religious community. He formed close friendships with prominent humanists, scholars, and churchmen, such as the classical scholar Antonio de Covarrubias and the preacher Fray Hortensio Paravicino.1

While his connection to the royal court was brief and unsuccessful, his prolific output for the churches and monasteries of the Toledan region solidified his place there. He became so immersed in the local religious environment that he emerged as a vital representative of Spanish mysticism, finding in Toledo a supportive atmosphere for his highly individual and expressive artistic style.21