How to visit and what to see in Salamanca Cathedral: schedules

There is no doubt that the Cathedral It is one of the most prominent monuments of Salamanca., and its silhouette dominates the whole of the old town when we look from the Roman bridge, in that classic view of the city.

Su tower is the second tallest in Spain, after the Giralda, of the historical monuments and stands out greatly from the rest of the monuments in the center.

A curiosity is that it is always said that in Salamanca there are two cathedrals, the old and the new.

Why Salamanca has two cathedrals: the Old and the New

Strictly speaking this is not true since, in reality, there is only one, but with two temples: Saint Mary of the See (what we normally call the Old Cathedral) Y Our Lady of the Assumption (the New Cathedral).

But we all talk, in a conventional way, about the two cathedrals.

This unusual occurrence, having two buildings, is due to the fact that the first was usually destroyed to make room and provide construction material for the second.

At other times, the old building was torn down when the new one was built. But in Salamanca they chose, fortunately, to preserve the old one.

How to visit the Salamanca Cathedral

Una visit to the Cathedral is normally, and rightly so, one of the fundamental stages in a tourism trip to Salamanca, in addition to visiting his historic university.

But to fully discover the secrets and true dimension of these two temples, it would have to be completed with Hieronimus, tour of the towers, roofs and terraces, which is a different experience and equally recommended.

This cathedral complex It is complex, built over the centuries with different influences and styles, but it maintains a remarkable unity despite the fact that, if we look closely, it shows details of very different origins.

Although probably the most important thing as a visitor is that it is the imposing and beautiful fruit of an artistic, political and religious desire that continues to impress visitors.

If it is able to overwhelm today's travelers, accustomed to large buildings of all kinds, including immense skyscrapers, it is worth wondering about the effect it would have on the faithful and pilgrims who centuries ago entered their ships and attended religious services. .

It is certain that in our visit to Salamanca We will pass by the cathedral several times and we will be able to admire its exterior at different times of the day and with different lights.

It is not known when it is most beautiful, whether with the last rays of the sun that surround its main façade in a reddish color or when night falls and the lighting is turned on. Each one will choose their moment.

As this set is made up of several structures such as the Old Cathedral, the new one, The Cloister, tower, etc., the exterior is quite complex and very different on its different sides.

Cover of the Birth in Salamanca Cathedral

The covers They are the most attractive elements on the facades.

The main one is the call Birth Cover by the reliefs of Nacimiento and Epiphany that appear above the doors.

Higher up there is a Calvary and the images of San Pedro y San Pablo.

As normally happens, it responds to an iconographic program with great doctrinal content.

Palm Gate in Salamanca Cathedral

La Gate of Ramos It is also very interesting.

The main relief shows Christ entering Jerusalem.

This cover has elements from different periods since each time a restoration is done, some detail typical of the moment is added.

That is why the intervention that was carried out in the 90s included characters such as famous astronaut from the Cathedral of Salamanca.

The two fronts of the transept, the north and the south, also have their richly decorated doorways; the South Gate is the one found in the call Small Patio.

What to see in the New Cathedral of Salamanca

Entry for the visit is made through Gate of Ramos and then you first go through the Cathedral Nueva before moving on the old woman and cloister.

The ticket price includes a audioguide that can be downloaded to mobile; You can also use the device they provide at the entrance.

La Cathedral Nueva Construction began in 1513, but the works lasted until 1733.

Despite the time that has passed, efforts were made to maintain the style originally planned and that is why it can be considered to be late Gothic style, although it presents some elements of later styles.

Upon entering, you are greatly impressed by the dimensions and the atmosphere created by the tall columns, the works of art and the light that enters through the hundred of stained glass windows.

The cathedral is made up of three ships to which are added numerous side chapels, which occupy the spaces between the buttresses.

Much of the central nave is occupied by The chorus and Capilla Mayor.

Choir of the New Cathedral of Salamanca

The chorus It is a masterpiece of baroque with a profuse decoration that emits a complex theological message. The Capilla Mayor It is crowned by a lavish polychrome dome.

Around of the Cathedral Nueva there is nothing less than 18 chapels, all different from each other and each with its own characteristics and details.

One of the oldest and most interesting is the golden chapel, with abundant decoration.

Chapel of Christ of Battles

Also notable, of course, is the Chapel of Christ of Battles, which is located at the head, behind the Capilla Mayor.

Takes its name from the image of Christ that Bishop Jerome he wore in the battles in which he participated accompanying the Cid in the conquest of Valencia.

Among so many chapels, images, decorated tombs and paintings, one should not fail to pay close attention to the details of the arms of the cruise and sacristies.

What to see in the Old Cathedral of Salamanca

It is then passed to the Old Cathedral.

Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the contrast with the New Cathedral It's very clear, starting. logically. by the dimensions and continuing by the architectural style, the luminosity and the paintings.

This Old Cathedral guards true treasures.

Altarpiece of the Main Chapel of the Old Cathedral of Salamanca

The first thing to highlight is the fabulous altarpiece of the Main Chapel made by the Delli brothers in the fifteenth century.

It is a marvel without comparison in Europe that is also preserved in the place for which it was conceived six centuries ago.

It is made up of 53 tables that visually narrate the salvation history.

Every week at mass the meaning of a scene was explained, something necessary at a time when a large part of the population did not know how to read.

Everything is crowned by a scene of Final judgment. It also highlights the amount of monumental tombs What is in this chapel.

Mural paintings in the Old Cathedral of Salamanca

One of the treasures of the Old Cathedral is the formidable set of gothic wall painting.

La St. Martin's Chapel It has some of the most splendid, including the scene of the saint breaking his cloak to share it with a poor man.

It is then passed to a set formed by the cloister, chapels and chapter houses.

In this part, the studies that became the germ of the University of Salamanca, the oldest in Spain and one of the first in all of Europe.

Among all chapels highlights that of San Bartolome or Anaya, With several monumental tombs which are some of the most important works that can be seen on this tour.

Salamanca Cathedral visit schedules

The visit to the Cathedral, which includes the New Cathedral, the Old Cathedral, the Cloister and the Chapter Houses, can be done every day of the week.

El Visiting hours of the Salamanca Cathedral It is, Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., with last access at 17,15:XNUMX p.m.

The ticket prices to visit the Salamanca Cathedral They are the general one, 10 euros, and the reduced one, 9 euros, from which seniors +65, disabled people and students benefit.

The ticket includes the service of audio guides.