Salamanca

Bishopric existed in Vth century. First known bishop, Eleuterio (589).

VIIIth century, devoid of notices concerning see.

Xth century, 7 bishops mentioned—living in Leon or Oviedo.

XIth century, no news, even name of city forgotten.

First bishop de modernis, Jeronimo of Valencia (1102).

Old cathedral still standing; city possesses therefore two cathedrals.

OLD CATHEDRAL

Dedicated to St. Mary (Santa Maria de la Sede).

In 1152 already in construction; not finished in 1299.

XIIth or XIIIth century, Castilian Romanesque with ogival mixture.

Nave, 33 feet wide, 190 feet long, 60 feet high.

Aisles, 20 feet wide, 180 feet long, 40 feet high.

Thickness of walls, 10 feet.

Part of cathedral demolished to make room for new in 1513.

Chief attractions: Cimborio, central apsidal chapel, and retablo.

NEW CATHEDRAL

Dedicated to the Mother and Saviour.

Begun in 1513; not completed until XVIIIth century.

Originally Late Gothic building. Plateresque, Herrera and grotesque additions.

Compare churches of Valladolid and Segovia.

Rectangular in shape; 378 feet long, 181 feet wide.

Height of nave, 130 feet; that of aisles, 88 feet.

Width of nave, 50 feet; of aisles, 37 feet.

Length (and width) of chapels, 28 feet; height, 54 feet.

Height of tower, 320 feet.

Chief attractions: Western façade, decorative wealth, ensemble.