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Church · Zamora, Castile and León
Catedral de Zamora
The Cathedral of the Salvador, from the 12th century, is the oldest and smallest of the cathedrals of Castile and León. The cimborium with its stone-scaled dome, of Byzantine influence, is the symbol of the city. The museum houses Flemish tapestries.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral de Zamora
The Catedral de Zamora, dedicated to the Salvador, was built in the 12th century and is the oldest and smallest of the eleven cathedrals of Castile and León. It stands on the western tip of the plateau, near the castle, with the Duero river below. It is one of the best-known examples of the so-called Duero Romanesque.
What most attracts attention is the cimborium, the tower over the crossing of the naves: a drum with sixteen windows and a dome covered with stone scales, of Byzantine influence. Seen from outside, up close or from the opposite bank of the river, it is the most recognizable image of Zamora. The plan is a Latin cross with three naves; the original apse was replaced by a Gothic one in the 16th century.
Inside, notable are the carved wooden choir stalls and the iron grilles. The cathedral museum, in the cloister, houses a set of Flemish tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries, with scenes from the Trojan War and other ancient stories.
Around the cathedral are the square, a stretch of the wall and the path to the castle and its gardens. From the viewpoint behind the apse you can see the Duero and the stone bridge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the cathedral and the tapestry museum.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, to combine with the castle next door. The cimborium looks striking in the late afternoon when viewed from the south bank of the Duero. Opening times vary with the time of year and celebrations: check beforehand.
How to get there
It is located at the western tip of the old town, about a 15-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor along the rúa de los Francos and rúa Mayor. The castle is next to it.
Tip
To see the whole cimborium, cross the stone bridge or walk along the south bank of the river at dusk. In the museum, allow time for the tapestries, which are the highlight of the visit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Zamora
What is the cathedral's lantern (cimborium)?
It is the tower above the crossing of the nave, with sixteen windows and a dome covered in stone scales, of Byzantine influence. It is the symbol of Zamora.
What is in the cathedral museum?
Mainly a collection of Flemish tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as pieces of goldsmithing and sculpture.
From where can the cathedral be best seen?
From the south bank of the Duero and from the stone bridge, where you can see the cathedral high on the plateau, with its lantern (cimborium).