Seokjin Ham
Google
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.