Cathedral of Zamora

In the southern and rather higher part of the old town, still surrounded by its old walls and gates, is the Cathedral, standing above the right bank of the Duero.

Built between 1151 and 1174 in a Romanesque style, which is one of Spain's finest examples. Elements were added to the cathedral over the years and include Gothic features (apses and sanctuary) and Herrera style features (cloister). The building has three naves, a transept and three semicircular apses. Its dome base with 16 double arches supports the scaled dome with four corner turrets, which is the symbol of the city of Zamora and is what differentiates it from other cathedrals. It has only one square-based belltower.

On the south side of the church, facing the 'Palacio Episcopal' (Bishop's Palace), is the richly sculptured Puerta del Obispo (Bishop's Doorway).

Notable features of the interior are the fine dome and the choir-stalls of 1480 by Rodrigo Alemán, carved not only with figures of saints and famous men of antiquity but also with vigorous and earthy scenes of country life. The Capilla Major has a beautiful marble retablo, and the high altar is flanked by two Mudéjar pulpits. In the Capilla del Cristo de las Injurias, to the right of the south doorway, is a large figure of Christ by Gaspar Becerra. The Cathedral contains numerous tombs; particularly notable is the filigree carving on tomb of Dr Grado in the Capilla de San Juan at east end. Capilla del Cardenal, also at the east end, has an altar by Fernando Gallego. It is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain.