Catedral Vieja de Santa María de la Sede de Salamanca

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.

Wow! And Wow again. The Cathedral was built in 12-14 centuries, and it is not trying to look modern. The feeling of time is everywhere, from the central nave to the cloister and the chapels in the cloister. Highly recommended to everyone who is interested to learn more about history.

This is the older of the churches that make up Salamanca Cathedral. The Old Cathedral dates back to the 12th century when founded by Bishop Jerome Perigord. It was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and is mainly Romanesque in architecture with some Gothic features including the vaulted nave. The Old Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria de la Sede (St. Mary of the See). The Old Cathedral can be visited as part of a combined ticket (€10 per adult) that includes entry into the New Cathedral, cloister & historic chapels as well as the Episcopal Palace exhibition rooms just across from the cathedrals at Plaza Juan XXIII. Highlights for us were the frescos in St. Martin's Chapel and the beautiful ancient chapel of St. Barbara. However, most impressive is the apse altarpiece, a cycle of 53 scenes known collectively as the Final Judgement by Italian painter Dello Delli. This is a remarkable cathedral treasure, worth spending some time to enjoy. The cloister area was mainly closed during our visit but we enjoyed the small museum setup with a handful of rooms containing cathedral antiquity and artworks. Then, through the shop and over to the Episcopal Palace to see the exhibition rooms and artworks there. That wraps up your visit to the Salamanca Cathedral complex.

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca (Cathedral Vieja de Salamanca in Spanish) is one of two existing cathedrals in the city of Salamanca, Castile and Leon, Spain. It was founded by Bishop Jerónimo de Perigord. Its construction began in the first third of the 12th century, continuing until the 14th century. Its architecture has Romanesque and Gothic influences. It is dedicated to Santa Maria da Sede. The cathedral has a Latin cross plan and three Romanesque naves, topped by Gothic transitional vaults. The main door, although it has lost part of its original artistic value, still conserves two statues, representing scenes of the Annunciation, one on each side.According to a legend, the San Martín Chapel or Olive Oil Chapel, where the ports of oils that were later used in the lamps of the Cathedral, served as a refuge for Franco, a general of the time. It is also worth mentioning that in the Old Cathedral there was a dome that became known by popular as the Torre do Galo, this mainly due to a weather vane that had in the crown.

Amazing building. It's great being able to visit the old and new cathedral. Don't forget to visit the tower (ieronimus)

beautiful outside but definitely not worth 10€ entry in my opinion

A must visit in Salamanca

Very nice building and surroundings.

It's a beautiful cathedral, but aren't most? I particularly loved the doors, and exterior decor, though the insides also had plenty to gawk at. As lovely as cathedrals are, I think I've tapped out on them. They all seem to be grand, detailed, and meant to inspire awe, I just can't even really find much that makes them that differentiated anymore. If you're into religious places, and lots of stops to pay to turn on an electric candle, this is for you. If this isn't your religion and you've seen hundreds of churches already, you may or may not want to pay the entry fee. Much of the church's beauty is visible outside--again, those doors (!) It's a lovely piece of architecture. We happened to see a wedding party leaving, which was lovely.