Salamanca Cathedral

About

Salamanca Cathedral is a magnificent fusion of two adjoining temples, the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral, creating one of Spain’s most remarkable sacred complexes. The Old Cathedral, begun in the 12th century, preserves a serene Romanesque atmosphere with its domed tower and the celebrated altarpiece by Nicolás Florentino. Beside it rises the New Cathedral, an ambitious Gothic and Baroque masterpiece built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Its soaring vaults, richly carved façades, and ornate chapels reflect centuries of artistic evolution. The exterior is famous for its intricate stonework, where historic motifs appear alongside surprising modern additions. Inside, light filters through grand spaces filled with altarpieces, organs, and sculptural details that reveal the cathedral’s layered history. Together, the two cathedrals form the spiritual heart of Salamanca and stand as enduring symbols of the city’s architectural splendour.

Salamanca Spain

Location

Salamanca Cathedral is located at the southern edge of the historic centre, on Plaza de Anaya, a short walk downhill from Plaza Mayor through the old town’s main pedestrian streets. The complex actually joins the Old and New Cathedrals, forming a vast ensemble that dominates the skyline and sits close to the remains of the city walls and viewpoints over the River Tormes. Nearby you will find key landmarks such as the University of Salamanca’s Escuelas Mayores and the famous frog façade on Calle Libreros, Casa Lis (the Art Nouveau and Art Deco museum), the Casa-museo Unamuno and the Cueva de Salamanca, all within a few minutes’ walk.