Old Cathedral of Salamanca Monument

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca (Catedral Vieja) is a Romanesque-to-Gothic cathedral complex in Salamanca’s historic centre, originally constructed from the 12th century onward. Its fabric and decoration show Romanesque origins with later Gothic additions, most clearly visible in the apse and some interior elements.

Key sights include the Romanesque apse, sections of medieval wall painting and carved stonework; the cathedral is directly adjoined by the much later New Cathedral and together they form the city’s principal cathedral complex.

The Old Cathedral was built as the city’s principal church in the medieval period and later remained in use alongside the New Cathedral as the city expanded.

Situated in Salamanca’s historic core, the cathedral complex lies close to the Plaza Mayor and other principal monuments of the old city.

• Positioning: The Old Cathedral stands immediately adjacent to Salamanca’s larger New Cathedral, and the two are commonly visited together.

The cathedral complex sits in Salamanca’s historic centre, a short walk from Plaza Mayor and the university district. The city is reachable by train and regular bus services from Madrid and other Spanish cities.

• Notice the Romanesque interior and the 12th-century nave - the cathedral's layered construction is its main interest.
• Go at dusk to see how the setting sun warms the stone; the cloisters and roofline pick up a particular golden tone.
• Combine with the New Cathedral next door for a comparative sense of Salamanca's architectural development.