Zamora Cathedral
Oriental culture is found on the transept of a Romanesque
church
The famous Byzantine copula that can be seen from all over the
city, is one of the most original creations of Hispanic medieval
art and would influence the style of the Colegiata de Toro(Zamora)
and the Catedral Vieja de Salamanca. This famous dome built with
sheets of stone is one of the most breathtaking constructions
of Spanish and European Romanism and has oriental influences.
The synchronism of styles (Romanesque, Byzantine and Herreran)
of the Cathedral is evident in every corner. Named the Perla del
Duero, this Romanesque building was built in the 12th century
and preserves a Romanesque door of great importance , the Puerta
del Obispo, which has impressive sculptured ornaments. It is amazing
to see a magnitude of details which still remain such as the primitive
Romanesque apses and the original exterior roof of the naves.
It was founded by Alfonso VII and consecrated in 1175 after 25 years work. The church is dedicated to the Transfiguration and has an important cathedral museum. It was declared Of Cultural Interest in 1889. Of the three primitive doors only the middle door, the Puerta del Obispo remains and the apses were replaced by Gothic ones and the Cloister was rebuilt in Herreran style in the 17th century.
In the interior there is a statue of Nuestra Señora
de la Majestad of the 13th century. The choir stalls , carved
in wood by Rodrigo Alemán has 80 on the top row and 38
on the lower. Do not miss the Cristo de las Injurias by Gaspar
Becerra or the altarpiece of the main chapel, in Baroque style.
As regards the chapels the San Ildefonso is noteworthy due to
its painted murals and the Cristo de las Injurias because of the
statue by the sculptor Becerra. The 16th century railings, the
Gothic effigy of the Virgin and the 17th century cloister are
all noteworthy.
The exterior preserves the original portal,
the Puerta del Obispo that has beautiful sculptures and a square
tower. The dome is drum shaped and has 16 narrow windows with
small towers on the angles and covered with sheets of stone. Of
Byzantine influence it is along the lines of the Torre de Gallo
in Salamanca.
Zamora guide