Old Cathedral Salamanca
Salamanca's Old Cathedral, a Romanesque-Gothic gem, whispers tales of centuries past, standing joined with its grander Baroque successor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical atmosphere
Old Cathedral Salamanca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Salamanca's Old Cathedral, a Romanesque-Gothic gem, whispers tales of centuries past, standing joined with its grander Baroque successor.
"The feeling of time is everywhere, from the central nave to the cloister and the chapels."
🎯 Combined Ticket Value
Get the most out of your visit with a combined ticket for both cathedrals, cloister, and museum. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially if you opt for a tower tour. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Astronaut Carving
New Cathedral Facade
Spot the curious astronaut carving on the New Cathedral's facade, a modern addition that sparks much debate and intrigue.
The Last Judgment Fresco
Old Cathedral Apse
Marvel at the 'Last Judgment' fresco by Nicolas Florentino, a breathtaking 53-panel altarpiece in the Old Cathedral.
Tower of the Rooster
Old Cathedral Dome
Admire the unique scale-like dome of the Old Cathedral, topped with a rooster weathervane, giving it its popular name.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Combined Ticket
Consider a Night Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Combined Ticket Value
Get the most out of your visit with a combined ticket for both cathedrals, cloister, and museum. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially if you opt for a tower tour. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Details
The architecture is incredibly detailed; take your time to photograph the carvings and frescoes.
🌙 Night Tour Magic
Consider a guided night tour for a unique aerial perspective and a different ambiance. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combined Ticket Value
Get the most out of your visit with a combined ticket for both cathedrals, cloister, and museum. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially if you opt for a tower tour. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Details
The architecture is incredibly detailed; take your time to photograph the carvings and frescoes.
🌙 Night Tour Magic
Consider a guided night tour for a unique aerial perspective and a different ambiance. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the historical depth and architectural grandeur of the Old Cathedral, often highlighting the 'Last Judgment' fresco and the unique 'Tower of the Rooster'. The conjoined nature with the New Cathedral offers a comprehensive experience, though some find the combined ticket price a bit high. The Ieronimus night tour is frequently praised for its unique perspective.
"Wow! And Wow again. The Cathedral was built in 12-14 centuries, and it is not trying to look modern. The feeling of time is everywhere, from the central nave to the cloister and the chapels in the cloister. Highly recommended to everyone who is interested to learn more about history."
Eugene Nizker
"The cathedral was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. While it predominantly features Romanesque architecture, its dome reflects a transitional style towards Gothic architecture. The exterior of the dome is adorned with a scale-like pattern, and at its peak, a rooster-shaped weathervane gives the structure its name, the Tower of the Rooster. The primary architects responsible for the cathedral’s construction include Florín de Pituenga, Cassandro Romano, Álvar García, Pedro de la Obra, Juan el Pedrero, Sancho Pedro, Juan Franco, and Petrus Petri, whose names are preserved in the cathedral's archives. The cathedral also houses 13th- and 14th-century Gothic murals, one of the oldest organs in Europe, and ancient tombs, all of which reflect the artistic heritage of medieval Europe. Additionally, the cathedral played a crucial role in the origins of the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218. Some of the earliest university lectures were held within the cathedral, and it maintained a close relationship with the university throughout history. In particular, the Capilla de Santa Bárbara served as the venue for doctoral examinations and faculty appointments at the University of Salamanca until 1843."
Seokjin Ham
"Catedral Vieja or Old Cathedral was founded by Bishop Jerome of Perigord (10??-1120), and was built in XII-XV centuries, and it is expressively Late-Romanesque/Early Gothic in style. High altar was created in 1430-1450 and its 58 panels were painted by Italian painters Dello Delli (1403-1470) and his brothers Nicola Delli and Sansone Delli. The population of Salamanca was growing very quickly in the XV century because of its university, and Old Cathedral couldn't admit all believers. That is why King Fernando, the Catholic (1452-1516), who was the Fernando II of Aragon and Fernando V of Castile commissioned construction of new cathedral. It was built between 1513 and 1733 right over the old cathedral. That's why today you can see old cathedral only from the belfry. The project of the cathedral was designed by Spanish architects Anton Egas and Alonso Rodrigues. The first stone of New Cathedral was laid in 1512 by Francisco de Cabrera y Bobadilla (14??-1529) the Bishop of Salamanca. His splendid tomb is in the New Cathedral. Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Kingdom of 🇪🇸 Spain 🇪🇸. December 1, 2014."
Oleg Naumov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Cathedral is located in the heart of Salamanca's historic center and is easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving by car, use public parking facilities near the Plaza Mayor.
While there isn't direct public transport to the cathedral entrance itself, local buses stop frequently in the city center, a short walk away.
Yes, the Old and New Cathedrals are conjoined, allowing seamless transition between them.
Several paid parking garages are available near the Plaza Mayor, which is a short walk from the cathedrals. Street parking is limited and often metered.
From the Salamanca train station, you can take a taxi or a local bus (lines 1, 2, or 5) towards the city center, followed by a short walk to the cathedrals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A combined ticket for the Old Cathedral, New Cathedral, cloister, and museum typically costs around €10 per adult. Prices may vary.
It is highly recommended to book your combined ticket online in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by religious services. It's best to check the official website or your booking confirmation for the most up-to-date information.
Visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons, outside of peak tour group times, can help you experience the cathedral with fewer people.
Typically, tickets are sold as a combined entry for both cathedrals, the cloister, and the museum. It's rare to find separate tickets for just the Old Cathedral.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Old Cathedral is Romanesque/Gothic (12th-15th century), while the New Cathedral is late Gothic/Baroque (16th-18th century). They are physically joined. +1
Yes, guided tours are often available, including unique night tours that offer aerial views of the cathedrals and city. +1
Don't miss the 'Last Judgment' fresco altarpiece, the Tower of the Rooster dome, and the ancient tombs.
Some tours, like the 'Ieronimus' night tour, offer access to the towers and terraces for spectacular views. +1
While the main areas of the Old Cathedral are generally accessible, some parts, especially tower climbs, may have limitations. It's advisable to check in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the cathedrals, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork.
The facade, the interior nave, the apse altarpiece, and views from the towers (if accessible) offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
The 'astronaut' carving on the New Cathedral facade is a quirky and popular photo subject. +1
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful light for exterior shots, while midday light can be good for capturing interior details.
Yes, night tours offer unique perspectives for photography, especially of the illuminated city and cathedral structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make the visit interactive by turning it into a scavenger hunt for specific carvings or architectural features. The combined ticket allows for flexibility, so you can take breaks as needed. Pack snacks and water, as exploring can be tiring for little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the Ieronimus night tour is an extra expense, it's a memorable experience. For a more budget-friendly option, focus on exploring the cathedrals' main areas and appreciating the exterior architecture. Pack your own lunch and snacks to save on dining costs within the tourist-heavy areas.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
The New Cathedral offers a contrasting experience with its late Gothic and Baroque grandeur. Don't miss the unique astronaut carving on the facade, a curious anomaly in such a historic setting.
The conjoined nature of the two cathedrals provides a unique opportunity to study architectural evolution side-by-side. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Conjoined Cathedrals: A Tale of Two Eras
The New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva), a much larger and more ornate structure, began construction in the 16th century and was completed in the 18th. It showcases late Gothic and Baroque influences, with soaring naves and intricate facades. A curious detail on its exterior is the 'astronaut' carving, a modern addition that has become a talking point for visitors.
+1These two magnificent structures are physically joined, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition from the medieval ambiance of the Old Cathedral to the grandeur of the New. This juxtaposition offers a fascinating glimpse into Salamanca's rich history and architectural evolution.
Exploring the Ieronimus Night Tour
This tour provides a different perspective than a daytime visit, highlighting the architectural details and the city's layout from above. It's particularly popular for its dramatic vistas and the sense of history that permeates the ancient stones.
While the tour is an additional cost, many visitors find it well worth the price for the unique memories and stunning photographs it provides. Booking in advance is highly recommended as it's a popular activity.
Historical Significance and University Ties
This close relationship underscores the cathedral's role as a center of learning and culture throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods. The artistic heritage within the cathedral, from its murals to its tombs, reflects the intellectual and spiritual life of the era.
Its designation as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca further emphasizes its historical and architectural importance, recognizing its contribution to the city's rich cultural tapestry.
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