Salamanca Cathedral is a joined complex of two churches on C. Benedicto XVI in Salamanca. The 12th- and 13th-century Old Cathedral has Romanesque arches and medieval wall art; beside it, the New Cathedral combines Gothic and Baroque details, soaring vaults and painted glass. Walk between the two, pause at the smaller chapels and look closely at the stone carvings around doors and columns. The visit also includes an episcopal museum across the street, while the Ieronimus route leads to rooftop views over the city.
Two cathedrals in one complex
Salamanca Cathedral comprises the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral, joined so visitors can pass between them indoors. The older church dates to the 12th and 13th centuries and has Romanesque architecture. Its medieval character is visible in the arches and wall art.
The New Cathedral was begun in the 16th century and took more than 200 years to complete. Gothic forms dominate, with Baroque elements also present. The two buildings together show how the city's cathedral changed over several centuries. Rather than treating them as one uniform interior, notice the shift in style as you move from one church to the other.
Details inside and out
In the New Cathedral, look up at the high ceilings and painted glass, then take in the large pipe organs and the choir room. The interior also holds altars dedicated to saints, sacred objects and large painted canvases. Smaller chapels add further details to explore. Gold decoration appears in the domes near the entrance.
Outside, stone carvings cover parts of the façades. The astronaut and a dragon eating an ice cream are among the unusual details people look for on the New Cathedral's façade. Inside and outside, give the carved doorways and columns a closer look rather than hurrying through the complex.
Museum and rooftop route
The episcopal museum is in a separate building across the street, and access is included with the cathedral visit according to the supplied visitor information. It holds additional context for the cathedral complex. An audio guide is one way to follow the details; the museum also has a VR headset experience that presents views of both cathedrals.
The Ieronimus route takes visitors through the medieval towers and up to viewpoints. From above, you can see the cathedral buildings and Salamanca. The tower route is a different way to appreciate the scale and layout of the complex, and can suit visitors especially interested in views and architectural details. Arrive early during peak season if you would prefer to visit before the busiest part of the day.
Häufige Fragen
Are the Old and New Cathedrals connected?
Yes. They are joined, and you can walk between them inside the complex.
Does the cathedral visit include the museum?
Visitor information says the admission includes the episcopal museum across the street.
Can you climb the cathedral towers?
Yes. The Ieronimus route goes through the medieval towers and up to viewpoints over Salamanca.
