Salamanca Churches and Cathedrals

(Salamanca, Castilla y León, Spain)

Religion has long been an important part of life in Salamanca and the city contains a wealth of churches, chapels and convents, and two magnificent cathedrals. Salamanca's Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja) and New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva) are both worthy of a look and feature spectacular façades, together with tremendous craftsmanship.

Many of Salamanca churches hold regular services, both during the week and at the weekends, where visitors to the city are always made to feel welcome. Here are Salamanca's main churches, convents and cathedrals.

New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva)

Address: Patio Chico, 2, Salamanca, 37008, Spain
Salamanca's New Cathedral is a vast building, which took more than 200 years to complete, with construction starting during the early 16th century. Famous for containing 14 chapels, stunning stone carvings and truly inspirational architecture, the New Cathedral features regular daily masses throughout the week.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 13:00, 16:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja)

Address: Patio Chico, 4, Salamanca, 37001, Spain
One of the oldest buildings in the whole of Salamanca, the domed Old Cathedral dates back to the mid-12th century and contains a lavish altarpiece, colourful frescoes, ornate carvings and a museum, full of religious artefacts. The Catedral Vieja stands alongside the Catedral Nueva.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 12:30, 16:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Espiritu Santo Church (Iglesia del Espiritu Santo)

Address: Compania, 1-5, Salamanca, 37002, Spain
With classical Baroque architecture, twin towers and a large dome, the 17th-century Espiritu Santo Church is a magnificent building, often mistaken for the city's cathedral.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Convento de San Esteban (Los Dominicos)

Address: Plaza del Concilio de Trento, 1, Salamanca, 37001, Spain
Tel: +34 923 21 5000
Featuring many spectacular stone carvings, intricate Renaissance-style architecture and a religious museum, the Convento de San Esteban is known for its historic altar and offers regular masses.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 13:00, 16:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Santa Clara Convent (Convento de Santa Clara)

Address: Santa Clara, 2, Salamanca, 37001, Spain
Tel: +34 923 26 9623
Salamanca's Santa Clara Convent is home to a surprising number of local treasures, which include ancient murals, some of which are around 900 years old. Dating back to the mid-13th century, the Convento de Santa Clara has been renovated and restructured a number of times over the years. Guided tours of the convent are available.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 13:30, 16:00 to 18:30; Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 14:30
Admission: free

Convento de Santa Isabel

Address: Isabeles, 8-10, Salamanca, 37002, Spain
Founded in the 15th century, the Convento de Santa Isabel is situated in the city centre and includes a historic church, with many notable features and a highly decorated ceiling.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 13:00; 14:00 to 19:00
Admission: free