The Old Cathedral of Salamanca is a gorgeous Romanesque church dedicated to Santa María de la Sede. It was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries and stands alongside the New Cathedral. Go on a self-guided tour of the interior, allowing at least 1 hour to explore the chapels and many religious artworks of the older church.
To access the Old Cathedral, you must first pass through the New Cathedral. Once inside, visit the Great Chapel for its stunning 15th-century altarpiece, which features 53 painted panels depicting events in the life of Jesus. The chapel also contains the tombstone of the infanta Doña Mafalda, daughter of King Alfonso VIII.
Go to the Chapel of San Martín for the Gothic wall murals and tombs of bishops. Inside the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, view the 16th-century altarpiece dedicated to the saint. Historically, doctoral students from the university took their final oral exams in this chapel. Stroll around the 12th-century cloister, which will take you past several tombs. Enter the series of chapels that surround this covered walkway. Then tour the museum for more art treasures.
Another cathedral highlight is the Torre Del Gallo, which is crowned by a rooster weather vane that gives the structure its name. Tour the cathedral's medieval towers. The tall, domed Tower of the Bells once held the Dungeon Room and Jail Room. The Mocha Tower contains an exhibit of 900 years of the cathedral's history. Join the tower climb for views of the city in every direction.
The Old Cathedral of Salamanca is a short walking distance from the city center. If you prefer to drive, use the metered parking garage nearby. The cathedral is open daily and the admission charge includes an audio guide and access to the cloister and museum. Discounts are available for senior citizens, students and children. Pay a supplementary fee to access the medieval tower observation floor.
