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Catedral de Salamanca (Nueva & Vieja)

Calle Benedicto XVI, Salamanca, Castilla y León

Description

Salamanca Cathedral has the distinction of actually consisting of two cathedrals ( built at different periods) sharing a wall and their 92m-tall bell tower. The "Old" cathedral is that of Santa María and was constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries in Romanesque then Gothic style, its cloister was ruined during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. It is notable for its main altarpiece consisting of 53 panels, the mural paintings inside the Chapel of St Martin, and the Chapel of St Barbara with the tomb of Bishop Lucero. The New Cathedral was erected between the 16th and 18th centuries and mostly displays late Gothic and Plateresque styles. It is characterized by a large number of chapels, finely carved wooden choir stalls, and an impressive cupola at the crossing of the central nave and transept.

Access & Transport

The cathedral is located at the southern edge of the historical centre of Salamanca, close to the Tormes River. It is within walking distance of the main tourist sights. Bus services 4 and 8 stop by on Paseo Rector Esperabé, next to Casa Lis.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this attraction with a visit of Casa Lis, which is situated next to it.

Meta review

The cathedrals are considered the architectural highlights of Salamanca, perhaps alongside the entire old own neighbourhood, and both draw very good feedback with some reviewers preferring the older and others the newer one depending mostly on personal artistic preferences. The Old Cathedral is favoured for its Romanesque paintings, the main altarpiece in particular, whereas the New Cathedral attracts the eye of connoisseurs with its exterior stonework and its lavishly adorned chapels. The audio-guide does not get great reviews however, it seems to be too focused on the artwork and not enough on the architecture (constraints and related engineering solutions for example)

Environmental & Social

We deem this attraction environmentally neutral. Part of the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The Cathedrals together form a pretty unique architectural ensemble, not among the very best in Spain but certainly a regional highlight. A must visit for religious art connoisseurs and architecture buffs

Key positive

Impressive Romanesque murals and main altarpiece in the Old Cathedral

Wide range of achitectural styles

Key negative

None

Suitability

Accessible (except the tower) and no religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission is 45mins before closing

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 20:00

Tuesday10:00 - 20:00

Wednesday10:00 - 20:00

Thursday10:00 - 20:00

Friday10:00 - 20:00

Saturday10:00 - 20:00

Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€9
9
Adult
17 - 64
€10
9
Child
7 - 16
€7
9
Infant
0 - 6
€0
0
Price for students under 25 is 9€.

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